GF school mask policy changes impact GFAFB

The decision by the Grand Forks School Board to end the mask mandate policy for in-school learning creates a unique situation for students and staff on the Grand Forks Air Force Base.   The current Air Force policy is masking in all indoor facilities.

319th Reconnaissance Wing Commander Colonel Timothy Curry says if masks aren’t required at the Twining School it would be the only building on base that’s optional.

Colonel Curry says he told his commanders this week to expect to be wearing masks for at least the next 3 to 4 months.  “The data is not going to change here in Grand Forks…unless we have something that dramatically changes.  So we will be wearing masks on installation.  Even though on installation our percentages are a lot lower because 96% of active duty are vaccinated and civilians will probably be over 90% in the next week too.”

The face covering mandate is now a recommendation for after school activities.  On January 17th masks will be optional for in class learning.

Around 311 K-to-8 students attend school on the G-F-A-F-B.