Effective May 12, Austin ISD is changing its COVID-19 policies, including easing mask requirements for outdoor activities that incorporate social distancing, allowing outdoor ceremonies and other activities for education purposes, and shortening the quarantine period.

The update follows months of decreasing COVID-19 infection rates resulting from rising vaccination rates and precautions such as masking and social distancing. Changes to the COVID-19 policies include:

• Wearing a mask will no longer be required for outdoor activities when physical distancing can be maintained, such as during recess. Parents or guardians will need to provide consent for their children to be maskless during outdoor activities. Campuses will send the consent form electronically, and paper copies will be available at each campus.
• End-of-year activities such as promotion ceremonies are allowed outdoors.
• Quarantining is now required for 10 days, except in cases when individuals did not wear masks consistently, or high-risk people who are not vaccinated are involved, which would require a 14-day quarantine.
• Tours and campus visits for educational activities and instructional purposes with prior approval are allowed if COVID-19 screening procedures (including screening questions and temperature checks) are involved.

The changes are in line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other procedures, such as screening and temperature checks, will remain in place through the end of the year. Guidelines for the 2021–22 school year will also follow the guidance from the CDC, Austin Public Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Families may also take advantage of upcoming vaccine clinics at the following locations:

Northeast ECHS, 7104 Berkman Drive
Wednesday, May 12, 3:30–8 p.m.

Padron Elementary School, 2011 W. Rundberg Lane
Thursday, May 13, 7–9 a.m. 

Blazier Elementary School, 8601 Vertex Blvd.
Thursday, May 13, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 

Dobie Middle School, 1200 E Rundberg Lane
Thursday, May 13, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.  

Covington Middle School, 3700 Convict Hill Road
Thursday, May 13, 3:30–5:30 p.m. 

Akins ECHS, 10701 S. First St.
Thursday, May 13, 3–7 p.m.

McCallum High School, 5600 Sunshine Drive
Friday, May 14, 3:30–8 p.m.

LBJ ECHS/LASA, 7309 Lazy Creek Drive
Tuesday, May 18, 3–7 p.m.

Anderson High School, 8403 Mesa Drive
Thursday, May 20, 3–7 p.m.

Alexandra Copeland, Austin ISD director of health services provided an update to the media on Wednesday, May 12. The recording is below.