(Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Curtis Walsh)

(Chippewa Township, PA) On Friday August 27th, the Blackhawk School District announced via their website that they are requiring universal masking for all students and staff for indoor activities and transportation.  They state that the change comes from the fact that Beaver County is reported to be a high transmission area and they are following their health and safety plan accordingly.  The district originally planned to start the school year with masks being optional. Their school year started on the 24th. They are slated to issue an update on September 3rd.

The district Health and Safety Plan follows a guideline of requiring masks when the county is considered to have high transmission levels.  If the county drops to substantial transmission levels, masks will be optional. They are determining the requirement of masks on a week to week basis.  A copy of the plan can be found on the district website.