CT Residents Support Ending School Mask Mandate: CT Patch Survey

CONNECTICUT — School mask use has become a contentious issue in Connecticut after Gov. Ned Lamont proposed ending the statewide mandate and leaving the decision up to local governments.

Local officials are still waiting to get guidance from the state on guidance for mask use. A statewide multi-agency meeting is scheduled for next week with school superintendents and local health departments.

The state House of Representatives voted Thursday to end the statewide school mask mandate Feb. 28 and give authority to local school boards after that date. Daycare operators would decide on mask use in their facilities.

The state Senate is scheduled to vote on the matter Monday.

The state departments of Education and Public Health could reinstate the statewide school mandate until June 30, according to the Hartford Courant.

Most Connecticut Patch readers who responded to an informal survey were supportive of Gov. Ned Lamont's proposal to end the statewide school mask mandate.

The survey isn't meant to be a scientific poll, but only to give a broad idea of public sentiment.

Most survey respondents said parents should decide whether to mask their children instead of giving authority to local officials.