By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne City School System will continue to requirements masks for students and staff, despite the end of the State of Alabama's mask mandate on Friday.

According to a statement from Superintendent Jim Cunningham, masks will still be required inside school buildings, facilities, and buses, but not required in outdoor areas where 3-feet of social distancing can be maintained.

"We only have seven weeks left in this school year and continuing with our practice for safety first is in the best interest of our students and employees," said Cunningham. "Thank you for your understanding of our desire to keep our students and staff as safe as possible."

On March 4, Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.) announced the final extension of the State of Alabama’s “Safer-at-Home” order, which includes a mask mandate. The health order defines “mask” as any covering that covers both the nose and mouth. Exceptions for the order include practical necessities defined by the Alabama Department of Public Health, some exercise, and voting or religious worship, though masks are encouraged in all of these scenarios as well. 

“Let me be abundantly clear, after April 9, I will not keep the mask order in effect,” said Ivey. “While I’m convinced a mask mandate has been the right thing to do, I also respect those who object and believe this was a step too far in government overreach.” 

Current recommendations for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) state that students should still be required to wear masks in classrooms with 3-feet of social distancing, regardless of how high community transmission of COVID-19 is.

For more information regarding COVID-19 data for DeKalb County, please visit the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) at alabamapublichealth.gov.