D70 plans to keep COVID-19 protocols for remainder of school year

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- District 70 plans to keep current COVID-19 safety protocols for the remainder of the academic year, according to an announcement from the district Sunday.

The decision comes after new guidelines were issued by the CDC Saturday evening, recommending schools continue to use current safety strategies.

According to the CDC, this guidance is based on several factors, including the amount of time needed for schools to make policy adjustments, that students will not be fully vaccinated by the end of the school year and those under 12 are not currently eligible for vaccination.

“In order to maintain consistency across all grade levels and allow students and staff to keep their focus on learning and end-of-year finals and activities, all of our health and safety protocols, including wearing of face coverings, will remain in place for students and staff for the last three weeks of the 2020-2021 school year," said D70 Superintendent Ed Smith in a statement.

The district said students will not be required to wear masks outside for school activities and athletic programs will follow CHSAA regulations.

District 70 is expected to meet with local health officials on June 7th to discusses changes in protocol ahead of summer programs.