PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — The Pasco County School District is now allowing high school graduates to invite additional guests and family members to outdoor graduation ceremonies. 

Previously, graduates had been limited to four guests. That limitation has been removed. 

Social distancing at the events will also no longer be required. 

The new guidelines announced Wednesday come after a review of COVID-19 data in schools and the community. 

Pasco County high school graduations begin this week, with only two ceremonies being indoors. Masks will be required at the indoor ceremonies. 

Two guests will still be allowed to sit with the graduates on the field, while additional guests can sit in the bleachers. Availability of seating will vary due to the size of the venue. 

After reviewing data from the Pasco Department of Health and in light of the CDC's recent relaxing of mask guidance, Superintendent Kurt Browning determined that the potential for harm has been greatly reduced in recent weeks.

"It was our goal all along to make the graduation ceremonies as normal as possible while recognizing our responsibility to protect the health and safety of all the graduates and guests," said Superintendent Browning. "A lot has changed in recent weeks, and at this time we are confident that it is safe to remove those restrictions for our outdoor graduations."

Pasco County's seven-day positivity rate recently declined to 4.6 percent, the lowest rate in nearly six months.