After the city of Philadelphia repealed its indoor mask rule on Wednesday, the School District of Philadelphia plans to make masks optional for students and faculty next week.

Superintendent William Hite Jr. said in a letter to families that masks will be optional for students and faculty beginning Wednesday, March 9 if COVID-19 scores continue to decrease.

According to US Department of Health and Human Services requirements, masks will still be required for students and staff in the district's Pre-K Head Start programs.