Masks required again in Fox Chapel Area schools as covid cases rise

Fox Chapel Area students and staff are yet again required to mask up in school buildings and district transportation, according to an email sent to parents Thursday evening by Superintendent Mary Catherine Reljac.

The school district will provide masks for those who do not have one, Reljac said.

The superintendent cited increasing coronavirus cases and the district’s healthy and safety plan as reasons for the requirement.

On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moved Allegheny’s County’s covid risk level from “medium” to “high.” The county currently reports an average of 611 cases per day, per its dashboard.

“We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to navigate the uncertainties and changing conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic,” Reljac said in her email.

The district had lifted its mask requirement in January.

Coronavirus cases are rising across the nation. Last week, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said a third of the country should consider masking per the CDC’s guidelines, the Associated Press reported.