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Escambia County Schools Superintendent John Knott announced in a letter to the system that face masks will not be a requirement for school faculty, staff and students effective April 12, 2021.

Knott made the announcement on April 8.

Earlier this week, Gov. Kay Ivey announced a safer apart order, which ends the requirement of wearing a face mask effective today, April 9, at 5 p.m. through Wed., May 5.

“Although we are discontinuing the face mask requirement, we want to be clear that the governor and healthcare professionals continue to advise and support the wearing of a face mask,” Knott said. “The Escambia County school system supports students, parents, staff and all others that wish to continue to wear the face mask.

“All schools and facilities will continue to provide face masks and other PPE equipment for students and staff as needed,” he said. “We will also maintain other health and safety protocols in compliance with our COVID back-to-school plan.”

Knott said this includes continuing increased cleaning and sanitation of school facilities, social distancing to the greatest extent possible, hand washing, use of hand sanitizer and limiting outside visitors.

Knott said in the letter that all graduations are on track for their scheduled dates, and will be held outdoors.

Knott said since January, the community and schools have seen significant decreases in the number of cases reported.

Additionally, all ECSS employees were provided an opportunity to receive the vaccine, and received the second dose.