PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania health officials are “strongly urging" schools to follow the CDC’s recommendation that everyone in K-12 buildings wear masks regardless of vaccine status.
Acting health secretary Alison Beam said they welcome the updated CDC guidance.
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"We all are trying to make sure our students get as much time safely in school as possible," Beam said.
"Clearly, a way of doing that is adopting the CDC’s guidance on masking.”
While the CDC is recommending everyone in schools wear masks regardless of vaccine status, it’s also recommending anyone in certain areas of the country where case counts are high should also wear masks indoors in public, even if they’re vaccinated.
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Most of Pennsylvania and Delaware are under that level, including Philadelphia and surrounding counties. More counties in South Jersey are in the substantial category, including Gloucester, Burlington, Ocean and Atlantic.
In Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is recommending everyone wear masks indoors in public, and the Philly school district will require masks in the fall.
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Montgomery County health officials are recommending schools require masks in the fall, but it’s up to each district to decide.
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Bucks County said they will not issue a recommendation, leaving it up to districts. Chester County is still discussing their plan.
Chester County’s agreement to help Delaware County ends this weekend, and Delaware County officials said they will follow Pennsylvania Department of Health guidance.