PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – The Pierre School District has changed its policy on face mask requirements for middle and high school students, effective at the end of the school day today.

T.F. Riggs High School principal Kevin Mutchelknaus says Riggs and Georgia Morse Middle School students have to wear face masks whenever social distancing cannot be achieved.

Mask wear will remain “strongly encouraged” at the district’s three elementary schools.

Pierre’s high school students began a hybrid class schedule this week (Sept. 21) because many of the students were required to quarantine because they’re considered close contacts of the 20 or so students at the school who tested positive for COVID-19.

Mutchelknaus says they are making some progress reducing the impact of the virus at Riggs.

In the midst of a pandemic, he says it’s challenging trying to have several hundred students in one building.

Class schedules for Pierre’s middle and grade schools remain normal, so far.