The Baldwin County School District, Alabama’s third-largest school system announced today that they will require all employees, visitors, and students grades 2 and higher to wear masks while inside buildings or on buses through September 10, Al.com reported. Superintendent Eddie Tyler announced the decision in an email to parents on Thursday.
On Tuesday the CDC recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors at schools nationwide, regardless of vaccination status. The guidance applies to places with at least 50 new cases per 100,000 people in the last week, which is roughly 60% of all U.S. counties.
Baldwin County is reporting an average of 169 cases daily over the past week, which is close to the all-time high of 181 reported in January.
Tyler commented, “While I have many responsibilities, I have none greater than ensuring the health and safety of our children and our employees. Therefore, it’s time to pull your masks out.”
School starts on August 11 in Baldwin County. Details will be given to parents during back-to-school sessions. The policy is only meant to be in place temporarily and will be reviewed over Labor Day weekend.
“It is my hope with the supportive efforts of you and your children, we will end this policy, as expected,” he said.
Birmingham, Huntsville, Bessemer, and Opelika school systems will also require masks while students and employees are indoors. The Alabama Department of Education is allowing local schools the authority to decide on whether to institute mask mandates.
