SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KNX) — Friday will be the last day masks will be required in California schools, according to new guidance issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom last month. INstead, masks will be “strongly recommended” for students and staff.
The new rule will take effect at schools and childcare facilities on Saturday.
Los Angeles County officials announced they will also lift the school masking requirement on Saturday. However, the ultimate decision of whether to follow state guidance will lie with individual school district.
The L.A. Unified School District said in a statement it would not commit to lifting the mandate over the weekend.
"We are committed to upholding our science-driven approach to COVID-19 protocols and will continue to consult with our medical director and health partners as we work to establish an updated mask policy," the statement said.
United Teachers L.A., a union representing LAUSD educators, has lined up behind the district’s decision.
"It is premature to discuss removing these health and safety measures while there are still many unvaccinated youth in our early education programs and schools," UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz said in a statement.
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