PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Both of Pike County’s public school systems are ending their mask mandates.

Both Pikeville Independent and Pike County Schools have announced their intention to allow the use of face masks to be optional.

Pike County Schools will end its mandate next Wednesday, Feb. 23.

Pikeville Independent will follow suit on Monday, Feb. 28.

Any student or staff member returning to school 6-to-10 days following a positive test of COVID must wear a mask through day 10. Pikeville Independent extends that requirement to students and staff members who returns from a household exposure to the virus. Students and staff members must be asymptomatic to return to school.

And as required by federal mandate, all passengers must wear masks while on school buses.