6 | MARCH 2022
NEWS
Hawkeye
The mask mandate is gone, but uncertainty remains By Mika Raring HAWKEYE STAFF
I
n an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19, protective face coverings have been required for the past two years by the Washington State Department of Health. This has recently changed, however, with Governor Jay Inslee lifting the mask mandate in Washington in mid-March, sparking many mixed feelings. With this new normal, the school district has been working towards establishing a community where all decisions and opinions are respected, even as many new questions arise. A statewide indoor mask mandate was put into place by Gov. Inslee on June 26, 2020, directing all private businesses and institutions to require masks worn indoors at all times. This was implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19, as studies show that masks have an 80% efficiency against the transmission of influenza-like illnesses, with surgical masks such as the N95 blocking roughly 95% of particles in the air. As the numbers of cases begin to decline, the state health department has been tasked with determining the point at which it is safe to no longer require masks. Edmonds School District Assistant Superintendent Greg Schwab gave context on some of the background information about the decision. “Governor Inslee referred to [Washington State] scientific data, which seems to indicate that rates of COVID transmission and serious illness are on the decline, as we have seen the omicron variant work its way through our communities,” Schwab said. “Also, the Centers for Disease Control has issued similar recommendations that masking seems to no longer be something that needs to be mandated at the state or national levels.” During mid-January, just as the omicron variant was mov-
ing through, there were an average of around 1,700 new daily shown a range of opinions and thoughts about approaches to cases per 100,000 people. In comparison, there are currently mask-wearing after the mandate is lifted. about 79 new cases daily per 100,000 people, meaning that the Because of differences in perspectives towards mask-wearing, overall trend in new cases has gone down a significant amount. the district is looking ahead to address possible conflicts by These numbers have greatly influenced Inslee’s decision on proactively advocating consideration of others’ points of view. masking, leading to the announcement that the mask man“I think the main conflict coming up is that there are people date was to be lifted on Saturday, March 12, 2022, no longer on both sides of this issue who have differing opinions,” requiring masks indoors. Schwab said. “We have heard already from both sides on this Schwab indicated that this statement would include all issue-- some want us to stop requiring masks immediately Washington state schools. and others want us to not follow the mandate and continue to “This decision applies to all public and private schools in require students and staff to wear masks in schools.” Washington, along with other public Differing opinions on masking have been a and private businesses and organizaproblem since quarantine started in 2020, with “I think that we will have tions,” he said. varying reasons behind each point of view. to be prepared to return to The lifting of the mask mandate will The wide range of opinions has the potential to more masking if we see an no doubt have a profound effect across create serious conflict, and both the school board increase in the number of the state, not only because of the and school are being very careful to promote COVID cases.” transition from masks, but also with inclusivity and respect for all decisions about Greg Schwab ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT the differences in opinion about maskmask-wearing. wearing becoming a more prominent In an email to the staff at Mountlake Terrace issue. Many aren’t sure if lifting the mandate is a good idea, High School, principal Greg Schellenberg addressed these while others remain excited about it. concerns. “I have casually spoken to a couple of my classes about it and “There is concern amongst groups of students and families there has been no shortage of people saying that they will conthat intend to voluntarily wear masks,” Schellenberg wrote. tinue to wear a mask to just watch the show at first and see if “We will establish and promote respect for all choices on it’s really okay,” STEM teacher James Wilson said. “And I’ve masking.” heard students who feel really unsafe with the idea, and I’ve Another email sent to the entire Edmonds School District heard students who can’t wait to get the masks off.” also specified how the issue of unkind controversy would be Along with emails from the school district, many students dealt with. have found support from their teachers, many of whom have “The Edmonds School District will continue to recommend done check-ins, polls and discussions about the upcoming masking, however, it will be an individual or family decision transition. These methods of reaching out to students have and that decision will be respected,” Edmonds School District
