DENVER (KDVR) — Denver’s Department of Public Health and Environment has ensured that smiles will be visible in public schools by February’s end.
According to a statement from DDPHE made Wednesday morning, the mask mandate that has been in place for faculty and students in Denver Public Schools and child care facilities will be lifted just before midnight on Feb. 25.
According to data from the state’s health department, the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have returned to pre-omicron surge levels, similar to those in October.
“Based on the current data, and the efforts of our residents, this is a step we can take at this time. We are supportive of any additional measures our schools put in place, as needed, to continue in-person learning,” Mayor Michael Hancock said.
Denver’s vaccination rate for those aged 5 and older, currently hovers around 80% with a booster rate that sits around 40%.
“With the current decline in severe cases and the high rates of immunity that we’re seeing, it is safe to lift the school mask mandate at this time,” Dr. Sterling McLaren, Denver’s chief medical officer said.
DPS’ outspoken director, Tay Anderson, is reminding parents that the mask mandate is being lifted by the health department and not the school district.
“While I looked forward to this day, I must express my deep concerns with ending our mask mandate before the end of the school year. I still believe that out of an abundance of caution, our mask mandate should stay in place throughout the remainder of the semester,” Anderson said.
Face masks will still be required on public transportation and rideshare services, but if this downward trend of COVID-19 maintains, then removal of these mask mandates could continue into the Spring.