As we dive into the third year of the Covid Pandemic, masks seem to be an essential part of our daily lives. It feels like we are not complete without them protecting us from viruses as we engage in our daily routine. 

This all changed this spring as Kent School is now officially a “mask-optional” school. A sense of normality finally came back as students and faculty members can greet each other without hiding our faces. However, there are still concerns for many in the community

Mr. Doerr likes the fact that he can talk to students and see their reactions without a mask, but says that in a crowd, he would still wear a mask. But he expresses his concerns because, “I am a father, and my youngest child isn’t eligible for a vaccine yet, so if I get it he would potentially be in danger.” For him, It’s also “slightly confusing” that the school imposed such a policy with the Covid still as a potential threat. “I guess we’ll just see how it goes,” he added.

Dr. Green of the Science Department also opts to wear masks, particularly when someone wearing a mask is present in the same space with him. He sees it as a mutual respect with the person who chooses to continue wearing a mask. Nevertheless, he believes that it is a good sign and would spark good morale as it seems like the “good old days” are starting to kick back in. “I am perfectly comfortable with people not wearing masks. Right now, the symptoms are low, sometimes even near to none, so I think with risk lowered it makes sense. And, I’m sure that people would be happy that they can speak to their friends without a layer of cloth blocking their voice.”

Though restrictions have been loosened, it seems like faculty members are still alert and acknowledging the potential problems that Covid presents. This is no coincidence as students also accept this veiled threat of further potential outbreak. Rachel Kahn, a fourth former who had Covid during the winter break, speaks about her will to maintain the “current peace” with Covid. “It’s nice, but I hope they enforce it when numbers spike up again. I mean I had Covid, so I have an antibody, but those who’re not infected still face the probability of getting infected and the problems with having an infection history when traveling.”

Michael Zhu, a senior, felt that the threat of Covid is not its symptoms, but the state of being an infected person. “The policy is alright, but I prefer to wear masks. I haven’t got Covid yet, so it will sting me if I get it right now. It would be very disappointing to miss out on all the things I can do in the senior spring and the upcoming summer, so I think it’s important to actually not get it.”