Rock Point Community School implements temporary mask mandate for returning students, school staff
WINDOW ROCK
Tsé Nitsaa Deez’áhí Diné Bi’ólta’ in Rock Point, Arizona, has announced the reinstatement of a temporary mask mandate to safeguard the health and well-being of its students, staff, and families.
The mandate, outlined in a letter issued by the school administration on Jan. 4, will take effect on Jan. 6 for the first two weeks of the semester. During this time, all individuals on campus will be required to wear masks.
The school administration emphasized the need for collective action to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus. Families were urged to monitor for symptoms of illness and follow recommended public health measures to protect the community.
The mandate comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a nationwide surge in respiratory illnesses. Flu activity has reached high or very high levels in at least 40 states, with over 5.3 million cases, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths reported this season, including 11 pediatric fatalities. COVID-19 cases have also risen across the country, while RSV continues to disproportionately impact young children and older adults, straining health care systems.
To support community health efforts, the Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board launched a series of flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout January. These clinics, organized under the hospital’s public health nursing program, are open to individuals with medical records at the Tséhootsooí Medical Center or the Nahata’Dziil Health Center. Flu vaccines are available for individuals aged five and older, while COVID-19 vaccines are offered to those aged 12 and older.
Clinics are scheduled for Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29 at the Nihi Dine’é Bá Wellness Center in Fort Defiance from 5-8 p.m., with a special clinic on Jan. 28 at the Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Event Center from 4-8 p.m. Parents or legal guardians must accompany minors under 18. Clinics were already held on Jan. 2 and 3 at Bashas’ in Window Rock.
The CDC continues to emphasize vaccination as the primary defense against respiratory illnesses. Annual flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone aged six months and older, and updated COVID-19 booster shots are advised for those eligible. However, current flu vaccination rates remain lower than in previous years, with just 41% of adults and children vaccinated.
In addition to vaccination, the CDC urges individuals to adopt everyday precautions, including frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, staying home when feeling unwell, and wearing masks in crowded indoor settings. The CDC’s Respiratory Illness Data Tracker provides up-to-date information on the prevalence of illnesses and highlights the need for community-wide efforts to mitigate their impact.
Rock Point Community School’s decision to implement a temporary mask mandate reflects its commitment to fostering a safe and healthy learning environment. By taking this proactive step, the school aims to reduce the spread of illnesses and ensure the safety of its students and staff during a challenging respiratory virus season.
During the mandate, all individuals on campus will be required to wear masks.
“We trust you had a wonderful and restful holiday break,” their letter states.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow