(KAIR)--Although face masks need not be worn in school facilities, the Atchison County Schools of USD 377 will require masks be worn on buses.

That word comes in a release from Superintendent Dr. Andrew Gaddis, who said “the Kansas Department of Education provided legal advice to all school districts regarding the Federal Order requiring masks while on Public Transportation.”

Gaddis, in the release, explains that the order “was issued by the CDC and requires all individuals to wear a mask while riding on public transportation,” with Gaddis adding that “the legal advice was that school buses and vehicles are considered public transportation and therefore face masks are required to be worn by all passengers as well as the driver.”

Gaddis, in the release, notes that while face masks, at this time, are optional inside all school district facilities, he highly recommends “that all unvaccinated individuals wear one inside of USD 377 facilities.”

Despite the lack of a mask mandate inside school facilities, Gaddis explains that “teachers and staff will continue to stress proper handwashing and using hand sanitizer regularly,” while “high contact areas will be cleaned frequently and all buildings deep cleaned nightly.”