February 17, 2022
Dear Mercy Students and Families,
The Oakland County Health Division recently announced it will lift its requirement to wear masks in schools and daycares effective February 28. Emergency order 2021-1, which obligated educational institutions to require students, teachers, and staff to wear a face covering in order to slow the transmission of COVID-19, will be rescinded. The reasoning behind the health department’s decision can be found here. Based on current conditions, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is also expiring the Public Health Advisory on Masking in Indoor Public Settings, including school settings.
This week, the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Return to School Task Force convened to review this change and concluded to relax mandatory mask wearing throughout AOD schools beginning February 28. The revised Archdiocesan Return to School Task Force Guidance can be found here. We require mask wearing for all staff and students until February 28.
Masking continues to be recommended as an important tool to decrease the spread of COVID-19, especially for individuals/households with high risk factors and unvaccinated individuals. Mercy High School will continue to encourage and support mask wearing for our students and staff who choose to practice this mitigation strategy past February 28.
Additional prevention practices against COVID-19, such as vaccinations, hand washing, social distancing, and staying home when sick will help protect our students, teachers, staff, and visitors. Please continue to report any positive COVID-19 case to Mrs. Eleasha Tarplin, Dean of Student Affairs (edtarplin@mhsmi.org).
The use of facial coverings as required by federal order on school buses and other forms of public transportation remains in effect.
Mercy High School will continue to follow all state and local Health Department Orders regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Any student or staff member who tests positive for COVID-19, or any unvaccinated student or staff member who is exposed to COVID-19, must still wear a mask per OCHD guidelines if they opt to return to school under the shortened quarantine/isolation protocol.
We are grateful for the support we have received from students, staff and families that has greatly contributed to our success in the continuity of learning throughout the pandemic. We appreciate your continued partnership as we move forward to ensure the safety of our community.
In Mercy,
Dr. Cheryl Kreger '66, President
Mrs. Patricia Sattler, Principal
Mrs. Eleasha Tarplin '94, Dean of Student Affairs
