Sunset Recreation Center

The Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District joined schools and businesses in Seaside and throughout the state, announcing last week that masks will no longer be required indoors.

The policy change covers patrons, participants, visitors, volunteers and employees.

District employees and individuals entering district facilities, including the Sunset Pool, Sunset Recreation Center and Bob Chisholm Community Center, may choose to wear a mask, according to Skyler Archibald, executive director of the park district.

“Staff and patrons may still wear masks and SEPRD will serve as a judgment-free zone for those who choose to do that,” he said.

At the Feb. 24 park district board meeting, the members agreed to follow the state’s school guidelines for in-school masking at park district facilities — at that time, March 31.

In-school masking was lifted for state schools March 11 as hospitalizations drop and are projected to reach levels below those at the start of the Omicron surge.

New procedures for schools are outlined in an updated resiliency framework released by the Oregon Department of Education.

The Seaside School District, acting on direction from the education department and the Oregon Health Authority, lifted indoor mask mandates beginning March 14.

Quarantining will no longer be recommended for individuals who have been exposed to COVID, Archibald said. “We encourage those feeling ill to stay home to protect the vulnerable populations we serve.”

If an employee or individual has COVID or likely symptoms, they are urged to isolate themselves from others for five days and wear a mask for another five days when around others.

“If you haven’t been vaccinated or boosted, we encourage you to take these steps to provide you with additional protection and slow the transmission of COVID,” Archibald said.