(WWJ) At least some kids returning to classrooms in Macomb County next week will be doing so without masks.
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel says, while health officials are continuing to monitor the spread of COVID-19, as of now there are no plans to issue a universal mask mandate for schools and daycares ... like the one in place in Oakland County.
After a crowd of more than 150 parents and supporters protested the Oakland County mandate on Wednesday, a rally was held in front of the Macomb County Health Department by parents, students and medical professionals, in favor of a masks in schools.
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Hackel said the decision on masks is being left up to the schools in Macomb County for now.
At this time, six districts in Macomb County have issued mask mandates, including the massive Warren Consolidated Schools, and the Macomb Intermediate School District. Fifteen districts in the county, including Utica Community Schools, have opted to remain mask-optional.
"(We're) giving people the opportunity for choice," Hackel said. "So, if a kid wants to wear mask, whether their school does or doesn't, they can. If parents what their kids to wear masks, they may or may not ... But in the schools that are saying it is required, you must wear a mask, obviously that's going to be something that the kids have to do."
Hackel's message to parents?
"We all know what to do," Hackel said. "It's personal responsibility; I think even the governor used that word... You know, keeping you and your kid safe."
"If you're uncomfortable with it — if you're uncomfortable that your school doesn't have a mask mandate — you're still allowed to have your kids masked up to go to school, and they're still allowed to wear the masks to school."
Hackel said while some have expressed concerns about their child being bullied for wearing a mask, he said: "Well, that's on both sides of this issue."
On a state level, there is no mask mandate in Michigan at this time. However, recently updated recommendations from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) urge all schools to require masks.
Because many students have yet to be vaccinated and students under age 12 are not yet eligible, MDHHS said layered prevention measures, including universal masking must be put in place "for consistent in-person learning to keep kids, staff and families safe."
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