School systems in all four counties of The Smoky Mountain area are no longer requiring masks in schools. The new directives follow updated COVID-19 guidance and still recommends masking indoors in areas of high transmission rates. According to the CDC, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties all currently have high transmission rates. Macon County Schools has been operating with masks optional since last year.
Jackson County Schools decided to repeal its mask mandate last week (Feb. 17). There are 39 students and staff across the district currently quarantined, according to the press release, School boards will continue to address masking policies on a monthly basis.
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