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A change in the Marietta City Schools' mask mandate was made on Dec. 2, according to a press release from superintendent William Hampton.
Effective immediately, masks are no longer required to be worn in school buildings, said Hampton, though people may still choose to wear a mask if they wish.
"Over the past four weeks, we have only had nine positive cases of COVID among students or staff," said Hampton. "This is a dramatic improvement over the beginning of the year."
He cites changes in the quarantine requirements that have reduced the number of quarantines for both students and staff, as well as readily available vaccinations and a reduction in positive cases, in making the change.
The Board is aware of the data and is supportive of the decision to remove the mask mandate, said Hampton.
"We still want to encourage people to become vaccinated," he said. "Vaccines reduce the spread of COVID and reduce the symptoms when someone is infected."
Masks will still be required to be worn on school buses, as it is a federal requirement.
"Please understand that our situation may rapidly change, and we may have to return to our previous policy," said Hampton. "Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we work through the school year."