In a few weeks, Granite State students will be returning to school. With the new school year approaching, districts are trying to put together a plan regarding COVID-19 and mask guidance.Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services said they have been working with school districts to help them understand their guidance.During an interview with state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan, he said they are working with schools on prevention strategies such as social distancing.Chans said when it comes to face masks, they are one layer of protection that needs to be considered for implementation in schools. He added that he thinks there is a role for face masks to continue in the coming school year.The large percentage of people in schools that are unvaccinated, or not yet able to get a vaccine because they are not eligible, make masks an important step, according to Chan.“We continue to base a lot of recommendations based on the level of community transmission or the level of COVID-19 in communities,” he said. “So, on our call last time with schools, there was a request for more information, more metrics for when schools should implement more strict measurements.”Chan said the state will provide more advice and recommendations for schools this week.Granite Stater Christine Petrin has been anxiously waiting to see COVID-19 guidelines from the Manchester School District as she prepares her two children for the upcoming year.“I’m not really sure exactly what guidelines I want to be in place, but I feel like, especially with being a new variant, I think a lot of the same precautions should probably be followed,” Petrin said.>> MORE FROM WMUR: Canada re-opening border for US travelers midnight Monday

MANCHESTER, N.H. —

In a few weeks, Granite State students will be returning to school. With the new school year approaching, districts are trying to put together a plan regarding COVID-19 and mask guidance.

Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services said they have been working with school districts to help them understand their guidance.

During an interview with state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan, he said they are working with schools on prevention strategies such as social distancing.

Chans said when it comes to face masks, they are one layer of protection that needs to be considered for implementation in schools. He added that he thinks there is a role for face masks to continue in the coming school year.

The large percentage of people in schools that are unvaccinated, or not yet able to get a vaccine because they are not eligible, make masks an important step, according to Chan.

“We continue to base a lot of recommendations based on the level of community transmission or the level of COVID-19 in communities,” he said. “So, on our call last time with schools, there was a request for more information, more metrics for when schools should implement more strict measurements.”

Chan said the state will provide more advice and recommendations for schools this week.

Granite Stater Christine Petrin has been anxiously waiting to see COVID-19 guidelines from the Manchester School District as she prepares her two children for the upcoming year.

“I’m not really sure exactly what guidelines I want to be in place, but I feel like, especially with being a new variant, I think a lot of the same precautions should probably be followed,” Petrin said.

>> MORE FROM WMUR: Canada re-opening border for US travelers midnight Monday

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