Southwest Valley Community School District Superintendent Chris Fenster, Friday, announced on social media, that a mask mandate would begin today (Monday), for all students. Saying ” It’s time to Step Up and Mask Up!”

(Fenster says students will be required to wear face masks or gaiters. He says those students without face coverings will be sent home.)

SWV has had two new cases in the teaching ranks, one at Southwest Valley Middle School and one at Corning Elementary. The students affected have been contacted, and the staff members are at home recuperating. On Friday, there was a 19-percent positivity rate in Adams County. Today (Monday), the rate is 18.3-percent.  The mask mandate, Fenster said is an added layer of protection in order to keep students in school and not have to go to remote learning.

(He said the staff will try and give the students as many breaks as possible from the face coverings. The students aren’t going to like it, but they’re doing this for our students and staff’s safety so we can have school.)

More Guidance will follow on High School sports before the first game on November 30th.