The governors released a statement saying that “with declining case rates, hospitalizations throughout the West, California Oregon and Washington are moving jointly to update their masking guidelines.” The three states have more than 7.5 millions school-age children.
Face coverings will be a recommendation, not a requirement, at all indoor places in California beginning Tuesday and at schools starting March 12, regardless of your vaccination status. All requirements in Washington and Oregon will be lifted on March 12.
In high-risk indoor environments such as taxis, public transport, airports, and public transportation, federal mask requirements will continue to apply. Other high-risk indoor settings may have different rules.
This milestone was reached two years ago. It comes as the nation relaxes its public health regulations, including the school mask mandates. In an effort to restore normalcy, and increase economic recovery, Americans are learning to live with the virus.
In a statement, Governor Kate Brown of Oregon stated that “Two Years ago today, Oregon identified the first case of COVID-19.” “On the West Coast, our communities and economies have a strong connection. As we recover from the Omicron surge together, we will strengthen our resilience and be ready for the next variant or the next pandemic.
California was the first state to officially shift to an endemic approach towards the coronavirus earlier this month with Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement that a plan that emphasizes prevention, quick response to outbreaks and avoidance over mandatory masking and business shut downs.
Republicans and other critics are pressing Newsom to relax the school mandate that has become increasingly divisive among California parents.
Many parents support wearing masks in schools. However, some have questioned the necessity of it when they don’t need to in supermarkets or elsewhere. California’s indoor mask requirements for vaccinated individuals were lifted on February 15. However, the rule was still in effect for unvaccinated persons and schoolchildren.
Masks are no longer required in California but will be strongly recommended for those who have not been vaccinated in indoor settings. The statement stated that the same shift will be applied to K-12 schools as well as child care facilities, starting March 12.
California Teachers Association, a powerful organization, said it expected mixed reactions to the announcement in schools throughout the nation’s most populous state.
CTA President E. Toby Boyd stated in a statement that “Simply put: while some students are willing to immediately remove their masks”, others remain very afraid.” More than 300,000 members make up the union. “Change is not easy. Today’s announcement will disrupt and destabilize school communities. We must all show respect for one another as we move to the next stage of our lives with COVID-19.
In defiance of the state mandate, a few California school districts have dropped student mask mandates in recent weeks.
After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relaxed the federal mask guidance Friday, the West Coast announcements essentially state that the majority of Americans no longer need to wear masks indoors, including in schools.
Friday’s CDC statement stated that people living in counties with “medium” or higher risk for severe diseases, such as those with compromised immune systems, should wear masks. The CDC advised that masks should be worn indoors by people living in areas with high risk — approximately 28.2% of Americans who live in such counties.
The new CDC guidance focuses less on positive test results, and more on what is happening in hospitals. The new system allows masks to be worn indoors only if the coronavirus is not a high or moderate threat to hospitals.
Since July, the CDC has recommended universal masking in schools, regardless of virus levels. However, it recommends that masks only be used in high-risk counties.
Jay Inslee, Washington Governor, stated that health officials will provide guidance to schools next week in order to allow them to be prepared.
He said that many families and businesses will continue to choose to wear masks. “As we move into the next phase, we will continue moving forward together with care and caution.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated Sunday the statewide school-mask mandate will be lifted Wednesday.
