California to require masks at school, a cautious decision that treats all students the same
The new school year in California will start with students and teachers wearing masks, state officials announced Friday, staking out a cautious position on a day when new federal guidelines stressed the importance of fully reopening schools and recommended masks only for those who are not vaccinated.
As part of a multilayered approach to limit the spread of COVID-19, those who are not vaccinated should wear masks indoors — and schools, health departments or states may continue to require masks on campus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
“We’re going to start with a requirement K through 12 that the year begins with masks,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly. “At the outset of the new year, students should be able to walk into school without worrying about whether they will feel different or singled out for being vaccinated or unvaccinated — treating all kids the same will support a calm and supportive school environment.”
The CDC guidelines also emphasized the importance of offering in-person learning to all after pandemic-forced school closures and online learning kept many children from campus, resulting in learning losses and mental health problems during months of isolation.
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