Newport Beach May Support Parent's Choice On Masking Kids

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Newport Beach parents may have city council's support regarding their choice on sending their children to school with a face mask. The resolution will be brought to the Newport Beach City Council during their Tuesday regular meeting.

If approved, the move would advocate for local control in light of state mandates regarding COVID-19 by allowing schools and parents the choice to opt out of state-implemented mask requirements at school. The resolution would extend past mandatory mask wearing, and include supporting a child's right to attend school without being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The city has also published 25 pages of email communications between officials and community members. Most, if not all of the communications, are from residents who support the resolution to oppose state mandates and allow children to go to school without masks.

According to the resolution, wearing a mask over a long period of time can be harmful or disrupt a child's ability to communicate with their teachers or aides. The resolution also cites guidance from the World Health Organization which recommends against children wearing masks during exercise or play, as it may compromise a child's ability to breathe.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 5 p.m. in the Newport Beach council chambers at 100 Civic Center Dr.

This article has been updated.