Students in Columbia Public Schools (CPS) are returning to the classroom this (Monday) morning for the first time since Tuesday, after a winter storm dumped ten inches of snow and some ice in Columbia.
CPS is extending the current mask requirement through Friday February 11, to better determine the impact of COVID, once all students and staff return to buildings.
CPS’ Michelle Baumstark says wastewater data indicates the Omicron variant has peaked in Columbia and that we’re starting to see a decline in COVID cases. She says safety is CPS’ top priority and that the mask extension will allow for additional time for cases to continue to decline in the community.