Dallas ISD's Mask Mandate will Stay Until MLK Day


Governor Greg Abbot celebrated the court's ruling in favor of his school masks mandate. This news came with the announcement of the first Omicron coronavirus variant case in the U.S.

According to reports, this mandate will stay until January 17, 2022 (Martin Luthor King Day), if the number of cases does not get too high.

The spokesperson, Robyn Harris, said in an email that even if the masks mandate were lifted, the district will recommend masks for schools and offices for children and staff safety.

For now, the severity of the coronavirus variant is under observation. Regardless, many public health experts and educators are applauding the Dallas ISD's decision to impose the masks mandate. Likewise, the Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) is also glad about this development as it helps keep the students and school staff safe from exposure.

In a Tweet, Dr Tiffany Kindratt also expressed her favor for the masks mandate saying, "When parents wear masks, kids will wear masks."

She also said that parents who want their kids to continue wearing the masks could inform the school teacher of their preference. Moreover, everyone must get vaccinated and sign up for the booster vaccine.

Naturally, as kids wear masks, their friends will also do the same. This way, it will be a combined effort to ensure the safety of people in Texas.

Dr Rhodney E Rhode (the Chairperson and professor at Clinical Laboratory Service Program in Texas) also made a statement. He said it would be good if the district continued talking with public health officials to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. Risk reduction is all about layered protection, including wearing a mask, getting the vaccination, maintaining social distancing, and staying in a ventilated area.

He also insisted that parents who have asthma or any autoimmune disorder should still consider homeschooling.

There is no doubt that wearing a mask is not very convenient, and the change in lifestyle due to the covid-19 pandemic has affected all of us. A few days of respite were a blessing, and going back to the same routine does not sound like something we want to do. However, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Texas needs to continue protecting its citizens. Let us hope the new virus strain does not stay around too long.

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