JACKSON, Tenn. – The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department recommends universal indoor masking in schools for all students (age 2 and older), staff, teachers, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. This recommendation aligns with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance for K-12 schools.

The State of Tennessee has given authority to school boards and school systems to mandate masks in schools, not local health departments.

“We have received numerous calls from parents asking for a mask mandate in schools and we are referring those parents back to the school system,” Regional Health Director Kim Tedford said.

CDC has updated information and guidance for K-12 schools available online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/