Further relaxation of masking rules

Our COVID Task Force (CTF) has been pursuing a cautious relaxation of our coronavirus protocols in response to the diminished threat from this disease. Our response should be calibrated to the threat posed. The current very low prevalence of the virus in Zambia gives us scope in particular to loosen the masking requirements on campus. To that end the CTF has instituted the ‘blue sky rule’:

Except for drop off and pick up, if you have sky above then your mask is optional

This simple rule should provide substantial opportunities for people to remove their masks during the day if they wish to do so. People are free to continue wearing their masks at all times if they wish. The rule is very simple and easy to operationalize and enables the following:

• Other covid precautions - such as distancing - remain in force
• At pick up and drop off masks must be worn
• In corridors (which are roofed) masks must be worn
• In any building, masks must be worn
• In other open areas without roofs, masks are optional

I know that some of you will think the rule is still too strict, especially the masking requirement at drop off and pick up. We do need parents to cooperate with school rules and set the correct example for our children. Drop off and pick up (especially) are a few minutes in the day where we have significant numbers of people mingling in a relatively unstructured way, it is not unreasonable to ask that you wear your mask at these times; the rule of thumb is that when you get out of your car, your mask should be on.

If you have opinions on this or any other COVID-related subject, please leave a comment below. I will ensure that your comments reach the CTF.

Thank you all for your support.