HISD to allowing recess on playgrounds and in-person graduations

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- As Texas continues to up the number of people who get the COVID-19 vaccine, the state's largest public school district is making some adjustments to its Communicable Disease Plan.

According to an update issued by HISD on Thursday, all school playgrounds will be opened and recess will be permitted, with masks required for both. Not only are playgrounds open, but in-person, outdoor graduations will be permitted this spring with an event safety plan and limited attendance based on available capacity with physical distancing.

SEE ALSO: List of Houston-area school districts requiring masks after Texas' mandate lifts

Both changes are effective immediately.

Other than opening playgrounds and allowing in-person ceremonies, HISD's committee recommendations include:

• Allow field days, promotion ceremonies, awards banquets, and other school celebrations this spring for students only with an approved event safety plan.
• Maintain masks and physical distancing protocols in schools and buses as outlined in the CDP and continue sanitization in high-touch areas every two hours through the spring.
• Wait to establish a timeline for relaxing masks and physical distancing protocols until more data can be collected and reviewed over the coming months.