Top 5 Takeaways

1. Universal Masking Recommendation: CDC recommends universal indoor masking in K–12 schools to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission, regardless of vaccination status.
2. Study Context: The study evaluated the association between school mask policies and COVID-19 outbreaks in K–12 public noncharter schools in Maricopa and Pima Counties, Arizona, during July 15–August 31, 2021.
3. Outbreak Definition: A school-associated outbreak was defined as two or more laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases among students or staff within a 14-day period, occurring at least 7 days after school started.
4. Findings: Schools without a mask requirement had 3.5 times higher odds of experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak compared to schools with an early mask requirement.
5. Implications: The study supports the effectiveness of early mask requirements in reducing school-associated COVID-19 outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of universal masking and other preventive measures in K–12 settings.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Megan Jehn, megan.jehn@asu.edu

Suggested Citation

Jehn M, McCullough JM, Dale AP, et al. Association Between K–12 School Mask Policies and School-Associated COVID-19 Outbreaks — Maricopa and Pima Counties, Arizona, July–August 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1372–1373. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7039e1

Summary

This study assessed the impact of mask policies on COVID-19 outbreaks in K–12 public noncharter schools in Maricopa and Pima Counties, Arizona, during July 15–August 31, 2021. Schools with early mask requirements had significantly lower odds of experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks compared to schools without mask mandates.

Methods

The study included data from 1,020 of 1,041 K–12 public noncharter schools in the two counties. Schools were categorized based on their mask policies: early mask requirement, late mask requirement, and no mask requirement. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders were used to evaluate the association between mask policies and COVID-19 outbreaks.

Discussion

The findings indicate that schools with no mask requirement had significantly higher odds of experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks compared to those with early mask requirements. This underscores the importance of implementing universal masking and other preventive measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in school settings.

Conclusion

The study provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of early mask requirements in reducing school-associated COVID-19 outbreaks. Universal masking, along with vaccination and other preventive measures, is essential for preventing COVID-19 transmission in K–12 schools.

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