Fargo schools to drop mask mandate

Fargo Public Schools will drop their mask mandate for students and staff effective January 15th.

Fargo Superintendent Dr. Rupak Gandhi says the district’s mitigation strategies are based on guidance from Fargo-Cass Public Health.  Health officials updated those guidelines in a letter to school officials this week.

In that statement health officials say the primary factor for updating the K-12 policy is the vaccine availability for the 5-11 year old demographic – meaning all student now have access to shots.

The letter admits the pandemic response has been challenging due to low population level immunity…minimal adherence to recommended community mitigation strategies…delayed COVID-19 testing…and decreased compliance with quarantine guidance.

Masks will still be required for all riders and drivers on school buses and activity buses per federal requirements.