TEXAS — The Texas Education Agency on Thursday released new COVID-19 safety guidelines for students and staff in public schools.

TEA says school systems cannot require anyone to wear a mask, but anyone who chooses to wear a mask must be allowed to do so.

Students who are actively sick with COVID-19 or who have received a positive test result for COVID-19 are excluded from attending classes in person. During the exclusion period, students may take part in remote learning.

TEA’s new health guidance memo is below: