MADISON, Ala. — In accordance with the district's "COVID Matrix" plan, Madison City Schools is requiring all students and staff to wear masks as they return to school on January 4.
"With the past two weeks reaching above the High Level of the ADPH, we will begin the new semester in a mask required status for ALL staff and students," Superintendent Ed Nichols wrote in a notice to families on January 2.
As of January 2, Madison County has a seven-day COVID testing positivity rate of 33.7%, per the Alabama Department of Public Health. This means that just over one in every three COVID tests in the county have returned positive over the past seven days. The statewide seven-day COVID testing positivity rate is 35.5%.
According to the district's "COVID Matrix" masking plan, if Madison County's positivity rate is above 10% for two or more consecutive weeks, masks will be required. In order to return to masks optional, the county must remain below a 8% positivity rate for two or more consecutive weeks.
Additionally, Superintendent Nichols said the district is reviewing new CDC guidance on how long to isolate following a positive COVID test or close contact exposure and will compare the updates with local officials.
"Until clarification has been made by ADPH, we will continue to follow the same protocol for isolation and exclusion that was used before the Winter Break," Superintendent Nichols wrote.