The Fargo Public Schools district made an announcement last month that masks will no longer be required for students and teachers starting January 17, 2021, the first day of the second semester.

This news came despite some higher COVID numbers seen in the Fargo area. At the time of this announcement, there was a 7 percent positivity rate in North Dakota. FPS says that the main reason it has chosen to make the change is due to the new availability of vaccinations for 5- to 11-year-old kids.

They also say the date plans for the rise in cases expected over the holiday season.

With other changes to the mask requirements involving the now “recommendation” of masks after school hours (not involving bussing), the mandate is constantly being restructured.

Mr. Beaton, South’s activities director, wrote in an email, “We no longer are required to be masked in our building or at our events outside of school hours. We are defining school hours as upon arrival in the morning to 3:45 PM on school days.”

This end to the mandate will join West Fargo schools and local private schools in the strong recommendation of masks, rather than a mandate.

With many students and teachers conflicted over the inclination toward socializing, as well as the concern for public health, we must wait and see how many people actually stop wearing masks.