Face Coverings and Masks Soon to be Optional for Dubuque Community Students(UPDATE)

UPDATE

Dubuque Schools drop mask requirement effective immediately following legislation.

Original story:

Following the lead of many states across the US, Dubuque Community Schools will make face coverings and masks optional for students starting this Friday May 21st.

Parents and families were made aware of these changes in a letter from Superintendent Stan Rheingans

Students riding school buses will still be required to wear masks in accordance with the federal order requiring masks on public transportation,

.In his letter, Rheingans also wrote  "As we enter the final weeks of an unprecedented school year, we are thankful for the tremendous support and flexibility shown by our students, staff and families this year. "Our success has been possible because of everyone’s willingness to work together."

The Iowa Department of Public Health issued guidance last week urging school districts to make masks optional, Dubuque County officials have dropped their mask mandate, and City of Dubuque leaders are voting tonight to repeal theirs.