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Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration does not consider reinstating a statewide mandate for wearing masks in K-12 schools despite updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday recommending everyone in schools to wear masks regardless of their immunization status, according to a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
However, department spokeswoman Kendall Alexander said the administration recommended that Pennsylvanians, including schools, follow these guidelines.
“Additionally, businesses and local governments can adopt more stringent COVID prevention strategies, including mask requirements,” Alexander said. “The administration continues to encourage all eligible people to be fully immunized to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
With the infection rates of the Delta variant increasing, the CDC is urging those vaccinated in places with high infection levels to resume wearing masks to protect themselves from the highly virulent strain of the coronavirus. At the last check-up, no school district in Pennsylvania required masks to be worn inside buildings, although some strongly recommended it or indicated that they would support those who choose to wear a mask.
Many districts have also indicated that they will follow CDC guidelines in requiring students to wear masks on school buses. However, the Carlisle Area School District in south-central Pennsylvania has reportedly taken a position not to impose masks on its buses. Other districts said they were still trying to decide what their policy would be regarding face coverings on school bus transportation.
Pennsylvania reported 986 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, more than six times the daily average at the start of July. Hospitalizations are also on the rise with 430 people hospitalized, up from around 260 at the start of last week. The number in intensive care rose to 97, from 86 on Monday.
As of Tuesday morning, just under 63% of Pennsylvanians aged 18 or older are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Pennsylvania has made tremendous strides in immunizing people ages 12 and older,” Alexander said. “Additionally, data has shown that there is a correlation between increasing vaccination rates and decreasing COVID-19 cases. We cannot stress the importance for eligible Pennsylvanians of getting vaccinated to stop the spread of COVID-19. “
Jan Murphy can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @JanMurphy.
READ MORE: Central Pa School District Plan for Returning Kids: What You Need to Know About Masks, Seats, and Buses
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