By Kevin Deutsch

The Broward County School Board on Wednesday voted to continue its mandatory masks requirement to begin the school year amid a statewide surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

Face coverings will be mandatory for students, staff, and visitors at all schools and district facilities, the board announced, but no masks will be required when outdoors.

The first day of school is Wednesday, August 18, with face-to-face learning on all campuses.

Other policies announced by the school system:

– Schools should maintain at least three feet of physical distancing between students within classrooms.

– Standard seating capacity will resume on school buses.

 – School cafeterias will open for meal service through the traditional food service line.

– All sports and athletic facilities are now open.

– Laptops will continue to be issued to students who need them.

– The school district will continue to provide two nurses per school and offer voluntary COVID-19 tests at all schools.

– Cleaning and disinfection of schools and district facilities will continue, and everyone will be encouraged to do their part in preventing the spread of COVID-19 through frequent hand washing and staying home when sick.

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