PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia officials say they are not changing the mask mandate for schools, despite guidance out on Friday from the CDC that fully vaccinated students may attend in-person classes without them.
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With nearly two months before classes resume, school district and health officials say they are waiting to see how the summer goes before making any changes to mask guidance for students.
If case counts stay low and infections less serious, and if vaccination rates rise for those over the age of 12, health department spokesperson Jim Garrow said, they will review the mask mandate. However, if the Delta variant takes hold in Philadelphia, or if there is some other setback, it will likely remain in place.
That being said, the city is urging parents to get their children over the age of 12 vaccinated. They are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, which protects against the Delta variant.
He noted the mask guidelines are part of what the CDC calls a "layered" approach to prevention, which includes 3 feet of distance between students and indoor masking for everyone under 12 or not fully vaccinated.
District spokesperson Monica Lewis added the district is excited about returning to in-person learning and appreciates the new guidelines, but it is working with the city and state to set a mask policy.
The school year begins Aug. 31.