Effective Monday, September 14, 2020 no students or staff members may wear masks with valves.
The CDC recently updated their guidance on the use of masks, specifically addressing the use of gaiter/buff style face coverings and masks with exhalation valves or vents. The CDC has stated that evaluation of gaiter/buff style face coverings is ongoing, and their effectiveness is unknown at this time. Furthermore, they have stated that masks with exhalation valves or vents should NOT be worn because virus particles can escape into the air through the vent/valve. Therefore, based on this guidance from the CDC, the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie recommended that students and employees not use these types of mask while on school campuses or district office buildings. The school district is following this recommendation and no longer allowing these types of masks.
