WATERLOO, Iowa (KWWL)- Some students, teachers, and other staff members in the Waterloo and Cedar Falls Community School Districts will be required to wear masks starting Monday.

On Friday afternoon, school leaders in the two districts announced a one-week mask mandate for Pre-K and elementary school students and teachers.

“Both school district plans are designed to mitigate virus spread, ensure in-person instruction can continue, and allow for modifications as needed,” Waterloo Superintendent Dr.

Since middle and high school students are old enough to get vaccinated, masks will still be optional but strongly encouraged.

The mask mandate for elementary school students in Waterloo and Cedar Falls will only last next week.