May 20 Update: The Brookline Health Department has reinstated a mask mandate for all town-owned buildings, including PSB schools and offices, effective Monday, May 23. Masks are now required indoors regardless of vaccination status. Learn more.

May 11 Update: With recent increases in COVID-19 cases in our community, PSB now strongly recommends masking for all staff and all students when inside our school facilities. 

Beginning on Monday, March 14, masks will be optional for all students, staff, and individuals at all PSB schools and offices, regardless of vaccination status. 

Masking is strongly encouraged for those who are not vaccinated, including our youngest learners under the age of five. We also encourage indoor masking for those who:

• have a weakened immune system;
• are at increased risk for severe disease because of age or an underlying medical condition; 
• are attending any large indoor events and community gatherings (e.g. athletics, performances, etc.) regardless of vaccination status.

Masks will remain required inside all school health offices and medical waiting rooms. In addition, masks are required for the following:

• Individuals returning from COVID-19 isolation, prior to day 10, through day 10;
• Fully vaccinated individuals who have an at-home close contact, for a period of 5 days;

Individuals feeling unwell or displaying COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, should remain home. Those who have tested negative for COVID-19 and been cleared for school but still have minor residual symptoms are required to wear a mask while symptoms persist.

PSB will continue to consult with the Brookline Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to adjust our mitigation strategies to enforce a safe environment for our community. 

Vaccination Recommendation

According to the CDC, individuals ages 5 and older are eligible to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Individuals ages 12 and older are also encouraged to receive a booster dose 5 months after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series.

Testing Kits

All PSB schools will provide rapid antigen test kits to participating students and staff through the at-home testing program. It is expected that participants test every Tuesday evening.

Reporting

All positive test results should be reported to the school nurse. Negative test results do not need to be reported unless you are identified as close contacts, have been experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or have previously tested positive for COVID-19.