Masks to become optional in Ocean Springs School District beginning on September 30th

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss (OSSD) — Following the continued decline in both school district and local COVID-19 cases, the Ocean Springs School District Board of Trustees voted on Wednesday to remove the mask requirement for students, staff, and visitors while on OSSD campuses beginning on Thursday, September 30th, 2021.

OSSD has monitored school district and community data throughout the school year and has worked with local health officials to determine the necessary steps to ensure a safe and productive learning environment for all students and staff members. Masks will be optional, except for those exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.

OSSD’s primary focus regarding monitoring community COVID-19 was Mississippi hospitalizations and ICU usage due to COVID-19.

As was decided at the August board meeting on August 10th, 2021, OSSD would no longer require masks once COVID-19 hospitalizations in Mississippi fell below 925 for seven consecutive days. This threshold was met on September 24th, 2021, and data can be found here.