From Iris Wertz, BSN, RN, KPBSD Nursing Supervisor regarding Friday, April 3, 2020, health update:

The CDC and the State of Alaska revised their guidelines about wearing cloth masks for protection against COVID-19. The new guidelines issued April 3, 2020, state that people should wear cloth facemasks that cover the nose and mouth if they are “in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain” like grocery stores and pharmacies.

The school district supports and encourages this proactive measure, but emphasizes that it does not replace proper social distancing and good hand hygiene, which are still the most effective methods to avoid contracting the virus.

KPBSD requires all employees to maintain the proper distancing requirements, and employees may wear a cloth facemask if they choose.

KPBSD is actively monitoring updates to health guidelines and new mandates from the State of Alaska and CDC. We will respond accordingly as guidance changes.

For specifics about how to use and make cloth masks, please review the Health Alert information below, or read Health Alert 010 – Recommendations Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings online.