Memphis, TN - In alignment with today’s guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and recent guidance from the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) related to wearing masks indoors, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is lifting its mask mandate. 

Beginning Monday, February 28, students will have the option to “opt out” of wearing masks. Parents will be required to complete a form, provided by their school, for each student choosing to opt out. 

Masks and vaccinations work and have been proven to help slow the spread of COVID-19. MSCS highly-recommends wearing a protective covering over the nose and mouth to help slow the spread of the virus. 

Should there be a change in COVID-19 infection rates in Shelby County, MSCS may reinstate a mask requirement for all students and employees.