State: Schools must plan for in-person learning this fall, masks should be worn By Q13 News Staff State: Schools must plan for in-person learning this fall, masks should be worn OLYMPIA, Wash. - The Washington State Department of Health on Thursday released long-awaited guidance for schools to fully return students back to the classroom this fall. The plan for the 2021-22 school year says masks should be worn in the classroom and social distancing of 3 or 6 feet should continue. Schools should also have plans in place for at-home learning to continue in case families choose that option or if they need to quarantine.