As case numbers climb and school districts across Florida face questions about COVID-19 safety, the Broward County School Board on Wednesday decided to continue its mandatory mask policy for the upcoming school year.

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In a news release, the district outlined its plan:

  • Face coverings required for all students, staff and visitors regardless of vaccination status
  • Masks not required outdoors
  • Social distancing (3 feet) between students in classrooms
  • Standard seating capacity on school buses
  • Two nurses and voluntary COVID-19 tests at each school
  • Continued cleaning and disinfection protocols

Broward Schools said all athletic facilities will remain open and school cafeterias will open for with regular food service lines.

Currently, all school districts in the Tampa Bay area say they intend to keep masks optional.

The first day of school in Broward County is Wednesday, Aug. 18.