Mask mandate changes in SMMUSD schools
Holden Kopman, Staff Writer
Since March of 2020, mask mandates have changed due to the severity of COVID-19. Recently, with cases down 81 percent, a significant decline, Los Angeles County loosened mask mandates. When the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health rescinded the outdoor mask mandate, many were caught off-guard. SMMUSD quickly scrambled to inform the community with a late evening email that masks are no longer required at schools in outside areas.
Superintendent Ben Drati informed parents and students of the new requirements on Feb. 15.
“The outdoor mask requirements for schools, TK-12, has been lifted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health… The SMMUSD School Board has directed us to lift the requirement effective immediately…” Drati said.
So far, a vast majority of students have continued to wear their masks outdoors while walking in between classes. Some students, such as Ella Crandall (’23), believe the main reasons are students’ concerns for the spread of COVID-19 at Samo, their uncomfort with showing their face to their fellow classmates, or simply that they have grown accustomed to wearing masks every day, inside and outside.
“Mask mandates being loosened is obviously good because that means COVID cases are declining, but people are still wearing masks because they don’t want to show their face, are used to wearing the masks, and honestly, I know a lot of people are scared to catch COVID,” Crandall said.
Some teachers have advocated for the relaxation of mask mandates, especially at Samo. Teachers including geometry teacher Stephanie Harding believe masks in classrooms is not an immediate concern, but does impede learning for certain students.
“I don’t believe the inclusion of masks in classrooms has really affected how I do things. Although, I do believe they impede the learning of new language speakers, making it harder to follow along as they can’t see mouths. If I had the ability, I would loosen the mandates outdoors…” Harding said.
There are some exceptions to this new rule. Students who have been exposed to COVID-19 must continue to wear masks outside. Indoor masks will also continue to be required at Samo, however this may change soon, especially since Los Angeles County has changed their indoor mask requirements.
As of Friday, Feb. 25, Los Angeles County loosened its indoor mask mandates. Vaccinated people are no longer required to wear masks indoors upon showing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, with other restrictions being placed by individual businesses. Unvaccinated people will continue to be required to wear masks indoors. Furthermore, California will lift its indoor mask mandate in schools for students and staff beginning March 12. SMMUSD may follow suit in the next few weeks.