COVINGTON, Ky. — The rise in COVID-19 cases across Kentucky has the Diocese of Covington implementing masks for all students, staff and faculty.

What You Need To Know

  • Diocese of Covington orders all students, faculty and staff to wear masks beginning Sept. 7

  • Increasing COVID-19 cases and higher students in quarantine are forcing the mandate

  • The school superintendent believes masking will help ensure students will be able to receive in-person teaching longer

  • The new rules will be followed by 37 schools

In a letter to parents on Friday, Sept. 3, the Diocese said all 37 of its schools would be making the switch immediately. On Friday, three elementary and two middle schools had added masks as a precaution, but the increasing cases at all schools forced the mask change. 

In the letter, superintendent Kendra McGuire said, "At this time, by returning to a mask requirement we will hopefully mitigate further spread of the virus and help keep quarantines to a minimum. This is an extra precaution that we feel is necessary in order to maintain in-person instruction for the greatest number of students. Please note that case data and other information is reviewed daily and evaluated weekly."

McGuire's letter said based on last year, the Diocese saw increased cases after long weekends or holidays and she hopes masking will lower the spread of the virus and keep quarantine numbers low.   The Diocese reviews case data and other information on COVID-19 numbers daily and weekly.

The Diocese also updated its “COVID-19 Return to School Requirements.” The document spells out what the Diocese requires for students coming to class and it also asks parents to do a morning health check before sending students to class. The document also has updated information on masks, a question and answer section and information to help parents deal with symptoms, exposure, tests and quarantines.