Unmasking the debate: the abolishment of the mask mandate
Ava Memarzadeh, Staff Writer
On March 14, Samo shifted to recommending mask use, rather than requiring it. Throughout the pandemic, the district has made educated and safe restrictions in regards to the COVID-19 virus, which made transmissions at Samo low. This decision of ending the mask mandate was a difficult decision, however due to the decrease in cases in LA county, it is an understandable decision.
Attending school without the mask mandate has not been distinctly different compared to the previous week. It seems like the majority of students have made the decision to continue wearing masks, at least for the first week. Due to the low number of mask-less students, it doesn’t feel extremely worrisome or risky to be in classrooms. Because of the low cases in Los Angeles and high vaccination rates, it may have been the time to test the waters and see if we can graduate from masking at all times. Furthermore, it seemed as if many students were already becoming lazy with wearing masks properly, and uncovered faces were definitely seen very often in the classroom. Samo Junior Gaspar Antal supports the school’s decision, and has plenty to say on the matter.
“I think not requiring masks was an important step to returning back to normal, but staying safe is also a priority. Keeping the option available and reminding students that masks help stop the spread of the virus is also important,” Antal said.
Principal Antonio Shelton is pleased with the removal of the mask mandate and allowing students to make their own choices. He reports that the school is doing great with Covid cases, and he hopes it continues that way.
However, as soon as there are any increased cases in LA county or related to Samo, masks should be mandated immediately. Samo is already on top of this issue, as we are continuing weekly testing to ensure the cases stay low. This is essential because there are also immuno-comprimised students, faculty and staff at school, and the district should ensure that the decision is safe for them as well. Nikki Soroushyari (’24) has mixed feelings about the newly lifted mandate.
“Since the majority of students are vaccinated now, it is safer to let it be optional. While it is scary, and many like myself choose to keep their masks on, I think it was a relatively safe decision and I doubt any bad effects will be seen,” Soroushyari (’24) said.
Overall, the decision seems to be logical and has not made a large difference in classrooms at Samo. The decision should be taken very seriously, and the school’s COVID-19 cases should be monitored closely to ensure a safe learning environment.
(Left to right) Mattin Aframian (’23), Egan Waktole (’23) and Shania Ghassemi (’23) show that students have a choice to either wear or take off their masks and are able to work together.