An area school district will be switching back to a mask mandate, effective immediately.

According to a statement from the Slater School District, 10 percent of its student body has tested positive for COVID-19 and/or have been placed on quarantine due to a close contact.

School officials say 23 elementary students are out, with six being positive cases. In the junior high, five students are out. In the high school, nine students are out. The junior high and high school have two positive COVID-19 cases each.

Beginning Thursday, December 2, all students will need to be masked regardless of vaccination status.

For more information, contact the school district at (660) 529-2278.