KSDE Recommends Mask Mandate Exemption for Bus Drivers Due to Safety Concerns
Face Masks on School BusesKSDE is advising Kansas School Districts that the CDC and the US Department of Health and Human Services current order which requires masks on school buses would apply based on the their definition of conveyances. Conveyances also includes other district vehicles such as activity buses, vans, SUVs, or cars, unless the driver is the sole occupant. Additional information can be found on our website https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/School-Finance/School-Bus-Safety/School-Bus-COVID-19Face Masks While Driving the School BusAn exemption to the federal mask orders states, “A person for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety or job duty as determined by the relevant workplace safety guidelines or federal regulations” We believe this exemption would apply to a school bus driver while actually physically driving the bus. This does not include the time when the bus is parked or not moving due to loading or unloading students, during these times the bus driver should be wearing a mask. If an extra measure of safety is desired, the first two rows of seats in the bus may be kept empty of passengers to provide some distancing from the driver.Mask DefinitionPer the CDC and the US Department of Health and Human Services current order, "Mask means a material covering the nose and mouth of the wearer, excluding face shields".