Kearney Public Schools moving to low-risk category; Masks no longer required

Masks will no longer be required at Kearney Public Schools starting Monday.

KPS announced Friday it is moving into the green, low-risk category of its COVID-19 risk dial. The district said this change is in response to the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines sent out this week.

KPS’ back to school blueprint states the district would shift to the category if there are no confirmed cases within its buildings or Directed Health Measures that limit building capacity.

KPS said masks will be recommended, but optional. The only exception is students who have had close contact with a person with COVID-19 symptoms.

The district said students with COVID-19 symptoms will need to stay home from school until they are symptom free for 24 hours.

“We are excited to see our student’s faces again,” said KPS Superintendent Kent Edwards. “Thank you to our parents and students for being patient with our health measures during this past year.”

KPS said there will also be no temperature checks, no limits on attendance at events and that social distancing will be optional.