- JCPS 2020-21 Updates
- Face Coverings
Face Coverings FAQ
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1. Do all students have to wear face coverings?
Yes. Face coverings are required by all, unless your child has a developmental, medical or behavioral condition and cannot wear a face covering (including, but not limited to, any person who has trouble breathing or is otherwise unable to put on or remove the face covering without assistance). Public Health Toolkit pg. 5 (NCDHHS) Students will be allowed socially distanced breaks to remove face coverings for short periods of time during the day. Contact your school's nurse if you meet one of the face covering exemptions for nexts steps.
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2. What are the face covering guidelines for schools?
Wearing a cloth face covering is required for all PreK-12 students and for all teachers and school staff, unless a stated exception applies or the individual is eating, drinking or strenuously exercising. Face coverings must fit snugly against the sides of the wearer’s face, as well as, safely cover their nose, mouth and chin. A gaiter that meets these expectations is also approved. Individuals with face coverings that do not meet these expectations will be provided a face covering at school.
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3. What if I do not have a mask for my student?
The State of North Carolina will provide five cloth and reusable face coverings for every student and school employee. Students will be required to wear a mask to school each day.
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4. Can my student bring his or her own mask to school?
Face coverings of choice are allowed. Face covering should follow all requirements, such as, cover nose and mouth, and must not interfere with the district’s dress code policy. Each JCPS student will be provided 5 cloth face coverings that may be reused throughout the pandemic.
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5. How should my face covering fit?
Face coverings should fit snuggly around the nose and mouth, and comfortably around the ears.
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6. What is the protocol for a person with a hearing loss who relies on lipreading to communicate?
Accommodations needed for this communication could include the following: use a face covering with a clear plastic area that allows the lips to be visible, provide written communication, use closed captioning, decrease background noise, use a free speech to text app on mobile devices, and gesturing. Feasibility and Adaptations (CDC) Contact your school's nurse if you would like this accommodation.
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7. Are face shields allowed instead of cloth faces coverings?
For individuals who have medical, developmental or behavioral difficulties wearing a cloth face covering, plastic face shields that wrap around the sides of the wearer’s face and extend to below the chin are an allowed substitute. Face Shields (CDC) Contact your school's nurse if you are requesting an adaptation.
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8. Are there requirements for the types of face coverings that must be worn?
Yes. Face coverings must fit snugly against the side of the student's face, be reasonably comfortable, allow them to breathe easily, be secured safely over the nose, mouth and under chin and be changed if it becomes dirty or wet.
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9. Can my child wear a gaiter (a face covering that resembles a bandana)?
Yes. Students may wear a gaiter if it is secured safely over their nose, mouth, and under the chin. Please note that the CDC recommends masks for optimal protection.
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10. Can students wear a face covering with a vent?
No. The CDC advises that masks with exhalation valves or vents should not be worn to help prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others.
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11. What if the face covering doesn't fit?
Review these instructions from NCDHHS on how to adjust the fit of face coverings, as needed, for students or adults.
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12. What if my student forgets their mask? Will the schools have extras?
Yes. The school will have extra face coveirngs for anyone who forgets to bring one. Studnts and staff are encourage to bring their own back-up masks each day.
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13. What if a student repeatedly refuses to wear their mask properly?
Schools will adhere to the Student Code of Conduct for students not following health and safety requirements.
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14. Will students have a break from wearing their mask during the school day?
Yes. Schools have built mask breaks into their schedules throughotu the day. Students will be able to have a brief mask breaks thoughout their day. They are encouraged to practice social distancing during mask breaks.