DOE clarifies: Masks are required for students and staff inside classrooms

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Department of Education is clarifying their policy that face coverings and masks are required in public school classrooms.

The DOE sought to erase confusion after outdated text was seen on their website saying classrooms were considered “Ohana Bubbles,” and that masks weren’t required while indoors.

Officials apologized saying that guidance was outdated and has since been updated.

“The handbook is updated weekly, as needed. Throughout this pandemic, the Department routinely revisited its safety guidelines to ensure alignment with the latest guidance from health experts and state officials. We will continue to review and adjust accordingly,” the DOE said in a statement.

The updated policies are available in the department’s complete Return to Learn Health & Safety Handbook. You can read it in full below:

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