SIDNEY, NE — As the school year winds down, Sidney Public Schools is making changes to its COVID-19 protocols. 

In a statement sent out Thursday, Sidney superintendent Jay Ehler says masks will be optional for all staff and students in the district beginning Friday, May 7. According to the school's back to school plan released at the start of the school year, masks were required under circumstances for grades 1-12, such as when moving from class to class or entering the school.

Masks were never required for PreK and kindergarten students. 

"While we are not requiring masks, we ask that you continue to be vigilant and do the right things to help keep us safe," Ehler said in the statement. 

Another change is what will happen when identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive. Close contacts will be asked to self monitor for symptoms for 14 days rather than quarantine for the two weeks. 

Self monitoring will include wearing a mask, keeping a physical distance from others and staying on the lookout for the onset of COVID-19 like symptoms. People who test positive or are sick need to stay home until they feel better. 

The last day of the 2020-21 school year for students in Sidney is Thursday, May 20.