The state’s removal of the mask mandate has changed over three times in the past month, and is currently set on March 12. Teachers and students throughout Tualatin High School feel both great relief and great anxiety as a result. As we have already passed two long years feeling the impact of COVID-19, students and teachers share feelings of caution about the mask mandate being lifted. They all wished to be anonymous.

What are your thoughts on the potential removal of Oregon’s mask mandate?

“I think people are ready to decide for themselves whether they need to wear masks or not …. In my opinion, we need to rely on medical professionals and trustworthy data to make these decisions – not our own impatience to get back to a sense of normality,” a teacher said.“I am a bit concerned that with a new variant of Omicron (BA.2) poised to create another wave, we will lower our guards too soon, especially in schools, and that could lead to us being forced to return to CDL, which we know is not great for students.”

-Anonymous teacher

“I don’t think it’s a great idea. COVID isn’t gone, or getting extremely better. Wearing masks can be annoying, especially in school, so I think it would be nice to not have to wear them, but we do for a reason.”

-Anonymous student

Would you continue to wear your mask in certain situations if the mandate is dropped?

“No, unless someone had a medical condition and asked me to.”

-Anonymous teacher

“Yes, I will continue to wear a mask at school as long as COVID-19 is circulating widely in our community.”

-Anonymous teacher

“I will continue to wear my mask the same as I did before, in places like school, church and other events I attend.”

-Anonymous student

Do you think it’s too soon or a good time to ease up on COVID safety protocols?

“I think it’s too soon to ease up on the COVID protocols and rules. If we get impatient and start removing things too soon, it will probably get worse.”

-Anonymous student

“I think it is too soon …  Especially in schools, COVID is going to spread a lot quicker and infect more people.”

-Anonymous student

“I think it’s a good time.”

-Anonymous teacher

Teachers and students are seeming very cautious going into the new change, but still hope for the best. Be sure to finish strong with wearing your mask, and show respect for those who ask you to wear one after the mandate is removed. Stay healthy!