OKCPS Officially Begins Mask Requirement Regardless Of Vaccination Status

Oklahoma City Public Schools will begin enforcing new face mask requirements for students, staff and visitors.

Superintendent Sean McDaniel said the spike in COVID-19 cases in just the first few days of school is the main reason behind the requirement.

Cases jumped from single to triple digits in just three days.

Masks will be required for everyone on campus regardless of vaccination status. That includes on school property, school vehicles and at any school sponsored events.

The district is also putting restrictions on visitation and closing campuses to outside visitors.

Parents can visit the office at their child's school but are not allowed in other parts of the building.

McDaniel is also stressing the importance of vaccinations. The district will be hosting vaccination clinics before fall break for middle and high school students.

District teachers and staff who receive the COVID-19 vaccine before November 15 will also receive a $1,000 stipend before the end of the year.

The district is providing several religious, health or personal exceptions for masks, which they said follows the current state immunization law.

Parents must fill out a formal request.