The school year is beginning and students will not be forced by the state to wear masks, despite what data might say.
As local districts began to put their COVID plans together, many expected the state to enforce a mandate like last year, but now the decision rests with them individually.
Many other states have done it. Many school districts are asking for it. but Governor Gretchen Whitmer is adamant the state of Michigan will not go backward. There will be no statewide mask mandate for schools. This seemingly goes against her advisors.
“I have recommended that if a mask mandate were in place, and it were followed, it would likely decrease the spread of COVID-19 in schools,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s chief medical executive last week in a press conference.
Monday in Lansing, Whitmer agreed masks will help. She agreed they work, but also felt it should be a local choice.
“We encourage districts to do that as well, strongly encourage,” said Whitmer, “At this, 35% of our students are in districts that have adopted a mask mandate and I hope more continue to do that. We do think it is the right thing to do right now.”
For a year and a half, her office took the heat for these COVID related mandates, now it’s on the districts. Again Tuesday, she was asked about it.
“I first want to acknowledge that there are a lot of districts that have embraced a masking policy and I applaud them,” said Whitmer, “I am grateful for their leadership. It is not easy but we know that school boards working with parents, that’s the best way to move forward and protect kids and their workforce.”
While not ordered to comply, Whitmer stresses the state fully supports districts that choose to mask up.
“We’ve been confronting this very same dynamic for a year and a half now,” said Whitmer, “It is very difficult but we are here to have their backs and to support their efforts.”
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