The Mask Opt-Out Form

After being mandated to do so for more than a year to prevent the spread of COVID-19, schools in Miami Dade have allowed students to opt-out of wearing masks.

As of now, only high school and middle school students are permitted to opt out of the mask mandate, as elementary school students are not affected since most are not eligible for vaccinations. 

While the recent data shows a decreasing trend in case numbers in Miami Dade, a lot of individuals remain skeptical of the new findings. After all, it is still possible for students to contract and spread this virus. 

If a student chooses to not wear a mask, their parents must fill out the opt out form available in school or online on the Ferguson website.

Medical experts reported a positive rate in the community and the number of cases in Miami Dade schools declining. Thus, resulting in the mask mandate being more relaxed. At the end of the past week, Miami-Dade had 281 cases a day, a decrease of more than 41% compared to three weeks ago.

“We have improved significantly. We have listened to our health experts. That is why we are relaxing these protocols,” Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said at a press conference Monday afternoon.

However, if the number of positive cases increases, the district may return to the stricter guidelines.

According to M-DCPS, while they are easing up on guidelines, the CDC continues to recommend universal masking in schools, regardless of whether students have been vaccinated. As part of its ongoing commitment to follow science, consult with medical experts, and assess its procedures on a weekly basis, the district will continue to look for other options for further relaxing protocols. 

Nonetheless, the district reminded worried individuals that if the number of COVID-positive cases surges again, they may need to enforce more stringent guidelines. 

Even with COVID-19 positivity rate dropping to one percent and the school district changing their mask requirement offering students the choice of opting out, masses of students choose to wear their mask at school. 

“Whether you have the vaccine or not, you can still get the virus, and probably spread it too. I’m going to wear my mask because I wouldn’t want to spread a virus to anyone and of course keep myself safe,” freshman, Albert Paz, explains.

However, even though some students would like to follow the mask mandate, an increase in individuals who dislike masks are thrilled to learn they no longer have to follow the mandate. 

“I think it is time for this virus to stop controlling us and for us to get back to normal when we don’t have to cover half our faces to go to the supermarket or school,” sophomore, Gaby Arrastia, states.

Even though there are controversies surrounding the issue of wearing a mask or not, parents will decide whether their children will take part in the opt-out. According to Carvalho, a decision to relax the restrictions for them may take place soon and such a decision will not have a deadline.

Ultimately, shining a light on the decreasing cases in the district is crucial especially since vaccination and priority of safety assists in taking a step forward and maintaining protection for the community.