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VOL. 10, NO. 27
California and CDC differ on school mask mandates Vaccinated teachers and students need not wear masks, CDC says; state says, not so fast Terry MILLER tmiller@beaconmedianews.com
T
he new guidance on schools reopening this fall from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that schools maintain “at least 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms, combined with indoor mask wearing by people who are not fully vaccinated” to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. If physical distancing can not be maintained, then other preventions measures — such as indoor masking — be implemented. In its latest guidance, the California Department of Public Health says that K-12 students are required to wear faces masks indoors, they are optional outdoors, and thus the physical distancing factor may be eliminated as
“in-person instruction can occur safely without minimum physical distancing requirements when other mitigation strategies (e.g., masking) are implemented.” As of Wednesday, 36.2% of eligible children in California are fully vaccinated, 8.6% are partially vaccinated but 55.1% (or roughly 1.7 million of the 3.1 million eligible 12- to 17-year-old children) are not yet vaccinated, according to state data. We asked some local school districts for comment on how the new school year will look. Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo told Beacon Media Tuesday that they are to implement layered efforts of protection. “As students return to in-person instruction in the fall, schools will continue to implement layered efforts of prevention and mitigation to
ensure safe and welcoming learning environments. Masks, vaccinations, COVID-19 testing, social distancing, and regular hand washing, among other efforts, are all components of safe schools as students return to the classroom,” she said. “We have seen low transmission rates in school settings due to the robust safety measures that schools have implemented with fidelity. I am confident that our schools and districts will follow these new guidelines, including ensuring the continuity of instruction for students who will not wear a mask at school.” On Tuesday, the state walked back a previous order banning unmasked students from campuses. In its revised guidance, the state said local school districts will have to determine how to enforce the masking requirements if students refuse to wear
Students and teachers in California will need to continue wearing face masks. | Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News
them in the classroom. Monrovia Unified School District’s new superintendent shared his thoughts on the plans for school reopening. “Monrovia Unified School District will abide by all requirements established by public health officials as has been the case throughout this pandemic,” Monrovia Unified Superintendent
Ryan D. Smith told Beacon Media Monday morning. “Recent changes in state law now require districts to offer a robust independent study program for families who prefer their students continue to learn at home. Prior to the pandemic, Monrovia Unified School District has had a strong independent study program in place at
Mountain Park School. Mountain Park remains a viable option for Monrovia USD students whose families are interested in this type of option. Informational sessions will be offered for interested parents and families prior to the start of the school year with additional details including how to See School mask page 3
