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The Cleveland Metropolitan School District is no longer enforcing mask wearing for students and staff, as of Monday, Feb. 28.

In an email to CMSD educators, CMSD CEO Eric Gordon said that while the district is not announcing a mask-optional policy, he is asking 鈥渁ll employees to suspend the enforcement of the mask policy.鈥� 

The CDC on Friday dropped its universal masking recommendation for schools and only encouraged mask wearing in high risk communities. Cuyahoga County has dropped to the , which recommends vaccination, COVID testing if you're showing symptoms and talking with a doctor about mask wearing and other precautions if you're at high risk for severe illness.

In his letter to staff, Gordon said because Cleveland鈥檚 vaccination rate is lagging, with just over 20% of children between ages 5 to 11 vaccinated, he鈥檚 following the recommendation of local health officials and asking everyone in CMSD buildings to continue to wear a mask.

That sentiment was echoed in a statement CMSD released to the media.

鈥淏ecause of the low vaccination rate among our community鈥檚 youth, we are keeping our mask requirement in place. Enforcement may not be as rigid, but the message is clear: The risk continues, and everyone who enters our buildings should wear a mask for their sake and the sake of those around them,鈥� the statement read.

鈥淭he Cleveland Teachers Union was not involved with the update that was sent to CMSD staff on Sunday regarding the masking policy,鈥� Cleveland Teachers Union President Shari Obrenski said in a written statement. 鈥淲e have several questions regarding the statement and hope to discuss them with district officials very soon.鈥�