The COVID-19 virus, first discovered in 2019 in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, has left its footprint on the globe. With over 4.5 million deaths and 219 million cases worldwide, this virus continues to affect the globe. However, COVID-19 policies are  constantly changing, and these policies affect our everyday life. 

“We’re getting better at being flexible, and learning, and changing minute to minute on what the health department requires from us or what the state requires from us,” nurse Donna Davis said.

An example of policy changes can be seen in the comparison between the 2020-2021 school year and this year. Many students in school during this time may recall exchanges between virtual, in-person, and hybrid classes throughout the school year, whereas this year there has been all in-person learning unless a student chooses to attend the virtual academy.

Another example of a policy change is the difference between being a completely mask mandated school, to a mask optional school.

“For theatre, we had to create alterations, and we had to do it virtual,” junior Tabitha Schacht said.

Mask mandates are not the only policy changes the school district has experienced. 

“This year we got to go to homecoming… and it was a lot of fun,” freshman Callen Taylor said. 

School events, such as homecoming, and athletic activities, have all become more open and available, allowing students to once again take part in these activities.

As of October 4, the WSD Board of Education voted to put into effect a new modified quarantine policy that would allow close contacts and those exposed to the virus to remain in school during the period as long as they followed the following guidelines as stated in the status update. They include, but are not limited to, “the exposed case will wear a properly fitted mask correctly and consistently during their quarantine period… That student’s health is monitored for any signs and symptoms of COVID-19… and MSHSAA guidelines are followed when it comes to participation in competitive play.”