Bucks County School Districts, Parents Split Over Gov. Wolf’s Decision To End School Mask Mandate In January – CBS Philly
LANGHORNE, Pa. (CBS) — Necessary masking in Pennsylvania faculties might quickly be a factor of the previous. As extra youngsters turn out to be vaccinated, Gov. Tom Wolf introduced the state will permit faculty districts to set their very own masks guidelines come January.
Necessary masking in Pennsylvania faculties could possibly be a factor of the previous come the brand new 12 months. On Monday, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the state will no longer require masks in schools as of Jan. 17.
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However as soon as once more, this debate is proving to be removed from over.
The Neshaminy Faculty District was ready to return to highschool this fall with out masks, solely to have to alter course one week earlier than courses started. Now, they fear this newest announcement will create much more confusion.
“Like the rest, I imagine it after I see it,” Neshaminy Faculty Board President Stephen Pirritano mentioned.
After Pennsylvania reversed course, requiring face coverings for all Okay-12 public faculties again on Sept. 7, the governor’s announcement Monday to drop that order come Jan. 17 nonetheless has Neshaminy faculty leaders planning for sophistication with and with out masks.
“We’ll put together for each as a result of Jan. 17 isn’t that far-off, however it’s,” Pirritano mentioned.
Final 12 months, circumstances spiked as many gathered for the vacations.
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“In the event that they see an uptick, I suppose they’ll most likely pull again,” Pirritano mentioned.
Bucks County has been probably the most contentious counties nonetheless virtually debating the mandate, together with Pennridge Faculties, the place the board there informed mother and father in a letter they imagine “the governor exceeded authority.”
“Will we belief them to have public well being in thoughts as a substitute of their political beliefs in thoughts? No, we don’t belief them,” Pennridge mum or dad Stephanie Regina mentioned.
Inside Council Rock, the place mother and father have been notified their little one got here in “shut contact to a person who examined optimistic” lower than two weeks in the past, this potential change comes as many are nonetheless quarantining.
“I simply suppose it’s very untimely, we’re in November. To see what’s going to occur in January, we have to see what’s going to occur in January,” Council Rock mum or dad Rachel Rosner Handfinger mentioned.
Proving that even when the mandate ends, the controversy probably received’t.
“Like the rest, it’s important to discover that steadiness. You must discover what will promote the very best academic setting within the faculties. That’s primary,” Pirritano mentioned.
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In keeping with the Pennsylvania Division of Well being, as of Nov. 2, greater than 2,200 Bucks County college students ages 5-18 have examined optimistic for COVID.
