Update: Here is the LAUSD response via Twitter. What exactly are they saying?
We believe the LAUSD has capitulated to the Teacher’s Union demand to ignore science and not drop the mandate, but this communication for the new superintendent could go either way. We are investigating.
San Diego Unified Keeping Mask Rules In Place
(San Diego, CA) — Many school districts in San Diego County will be dropping mask requirements, but not San Diego Unified. California is lifting it’s mask mandate in schools on the 12th, but individual school districts can keep the mask rules in place if they want. San Diego Unified says they will wait until the CDC classifies San Diego County as having medium COVID levels, down from the current rating of high. The Union Tribune says the CDC looks at the data on a weekly basis, and while they rated San Diego as having a high transmission rate last Friday, hospitalizations and new cases last week were only slightly above what would be needed to drop to the medium rating.
California Lifting School Mask Mandate March 12th–But Teachers Unions Keeps Masks On Kids
(San Diego, CA) — California is lifting its school mask mandate on March 12th. Two weeks ago, when the overall indoor mask mandate was removed in California, the state announced it would reevaluate it’s school mask rules here at the end of February. Now, the State Department of Public Health says the school mandate will be dropped at midnight on Saturday, March 12th in California, with Oregon and Washington making the same announcement. Individual school districts can still keep their mandates in place if they want. In addition, California is also dropping the requirement that those who are unvaccinated still wear masks indoors, starting March 1st.
Here is what LA County says:
For Immediate Release:
February 28, 2022
Public Health Statement on Updated Health Guidance from the State
We appreciate the continued leadership from the state as they adjust masking guidance to reflect the improving conditions across many communities. LA County Public Health will align school masking measures with the state and shift to strongly recommending indoor masking requirements at childcare sites and K-12 schools beginning March 12. School districts may continue to require masking at schools and during school activities and are encouraged to consult with teachers, staff, parents and students as they consider the appropriate safety protections for their school community, recognizing that many individuals may want to continue additional protections. We will review any additional state guidance changes and provide an update on additional modifications to LA County safety measures during tomorrow’s Board of Supervisors meeting.
The part in bold is why it seems a safe bet that LAUSD will not free the kids.
The truth about the clout the CTA wielded in this political power play can’t be known because Electeds and their people are blocking us from knowing: (from Twitter)
Reopen California Schools@ReopenCASchoolsCDPH is refusing to disclose the emails between @CAPublicHealth & @WeAreCTA about K-12 school masking because they “reveal the deliberative process of CDPH leadership.” Why is CTA involved in the “deliberative process” of school masking policies? What is CDPH hiding?
