Pearland ISD joined a number of Houston-area districts in revising its mask mandate May 17—although PISD community members will not want to leave face coverings entirely at home just yet.

Masks are now optional outdoors for all students and staff but will be required indoors for the remaining days of the 2020-21 school year, according to an email blast from PISD Superintendent John Kelly on the evening of May 17. While Kelly’s email indicated a mask mandate would still be in effect indoors this spring and summer, Gov. Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-36 on May 18, prohibiting public schools from requiring students, teachers, parents and other staff members or visitors to wear masks after June 4.

The new regulations apply for PISD schooling and activities taking place during June and July. Initial decisions about fall protocols will be communicated no later than July 26 since various fall activities begin Aug. 1, per the email.

“With grit and perseverance our community has faced unprecedented challenges created by the COVID-19 global pandemic,” Kelly wrote. “Within these parameters, we trust parents and staff to make the best decisions for their families. Pearland ISD supports anyone who feels it is important to continue wearing a mask and expects all to remain respectful of each individual’s choice.”

PISD’s decision to distinguish between outdoor and indoor mask use this spring is partly based on guidance from the Texas Education Agency, Kelly said in the email: TEA guidance states mask requirements do not apply to anyone who is either engaging in outdoor physical activity or maintaining a safe distance from others outside of the household.