Update on 4-H Mask Policy

 Please see the following update provided today by Dr. Mike Yoder.  Please note that Robeson County Public Schools do have a mandatory mask policy and therefore we will continue to wear masks indoors with youth.

Good morning,

With COVID-19/Omicron numbers declining across North Carolina and the Nation, I believe the time is right to modify North Carolina 4-H guidelines accordingly.  During the past couple of weeks, we have seen various county school boards vote-in a "mask optional" policy for their public schools.  

Therefore, with regard to the wearing of masks at 4-H events/activities, beginning immediately, all indoor, face-2-face 4-H programming should follow local public-school and applicable county guidance.  If the county public schools are operating under a "mask-optional" policy, then indoor 4-H programs may operate under the same policy.  An exception would be when the policies set for individual buildings/facilities vary.  If a building in which a 4-H activity/event is taking place requires masks, then that guidance should be followed.  As local government/public school guidance changes, you should feel free to follow that change.  

I am hopeful that this change will provide a higher degree of freedom for each of you to make the decisions necessary to keep your COVID-19 guidelines, in-line with those of the county.  As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Thank you for all you have done to keep 4-H moving forward throughout the pandemic.

Mike