Rutherford County Schools' policy on the use of face coverings within the school environment is linked to the level of COVID-19 transmission within our local community. Based on national data maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 transmission within Rutherford County has worsened from "Substantial" to "High" for seven consecutive days. Given that sustained increase in COVID-19 community transmission, Rutherford County Schools will transition from OPTIONAL to REQUIRED use of face coverings within the classroom setting, effective immediately. Additionally, face coverings are still REQUIRED for all occupants of white and yellow school buses, including passengers, drivers, and other occupants pursuant to a federal order issued on January 29, 2021.