In response to the Governor’s Executive Order from May 11, 2021, the facemask opt-out form that schools must use, unaltered, to get parental or legal guardian consent for a student is available here. In order to be valid, the form must be completed without change by the parent or guardian (or student, if age 18 or older).
DHEC's recommendations regarding COVID-19 precautions, including wearing face masks, have not changed. Wearing face masks and taking other precautions are important disease prevention methods that protect not only the person wearing the mask but also those around them from COVID-19. DHEC continues to follow federal CDC guidance, backed by multiple research studies, that masks are an effective and essential tool for protecting the health of all South Carolinians during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. All students, staff, and others in schools should continue to wear masks through the end of the current school year.