Barrington schools will go “masks optional” starting Monday, March 7.

The district announced its updated Covid-19 protocols on Wednesday afternoon, March 2. The new guidance, which goes into effect on March 7, establishes different rules depending on the CDC Community Risk levels — green (low risk level) has one set of rules, while yellow (moderate risk level) has another set of rules, and orange (high risk level) has a different set of rules.

Both green and yellow risk levels allow for optional masking. 

Green calls for the “promotion” of masks for people who are not up to date on their vaccinations or who are immunocompromised, while yellow recommends masks for those who are not up to date on their vaccinations or who are immunocompromised. Both green and yellow risk levels require masks on buses.

As of Thursday morning, March 3, Bristol County Rhode Island was in the moderate risk level. (The CDC Community Risk level map was last updated Feb. 24.)

According to an email from Barrington Superintendent of Schools Michael Messore, the district adopted the updates based on guidance from the Rhode Island Department of Health and the CDC.

“We will begin implementation on Monday, March 7, 2022. Our ultimate goal is to allow students to learn in person to the greatest extent possible while reducing restrictions and maintaining the safety and health of students and staff,” Mr. Messore wrote in his email. 

Other rules

• Green level: School day trips allowed for students in kindergarten through eighth grade and overnight trips for high school students to “places that are not high transmission.” Use of cafeteria space is allowed for students in grades 6 through 12; district officials will revisit the use of cafeteria space for students in Pre-kindergarten through grade 5 in 2022-23. No weekly asymptomatic testing for music and athletics.

• Yellow level: School officials will consider overnight field trips to places that are not high transmission for high school students; day trips are allowed for all students in the district. Use of cafeteria space is allowed for students in grades 6 through 12 but continue preference for outdoor activities; district officials will revisit the use of cafeteria space for students in Pre-kindergarten through grade 5 in 2022-23. Continue weekly asymptomatic testing for music and athletics, and preference for outside activities.

• Orange level: Avoid travel and overnight field trips. Increase opportunities for outdoor dining. Dining in classrooms or spread out in cafeteria; pods in K through 6. Weekly asymptomatic testing for music and athletics, and preference for outside activities.