School Mask Mandate Coming? Not Now, PA Health Department Says

HARRISBURG, PA —Although acting Pennsylvania Health Secretary Alison Beam earlier this week would not rule out the possibility, the state Health Department indicated Friday no mask mandates in schools is forthcoming.

A health department statement to Patch said that for now, "the administration is asking all schools to follow the latest comprehensive CDC recommendations for the upcoming school year and implement these recommendations on masking."

The health department noted that individual school districts can implement more restrictive coronavirus mitigation measures than the CDC has recommended, including mask requirements.

When Beam was asked Wednesday by Penn Live-The Patriot News of Harrisburg about the possibility of mandated masks in schools, she said "At this stage, all bets are on the table."

But Beam acknowledged the conversations have occurred within Gov. Tom Wolf's office and the state department of education regarding whether steps should be taken to go beyond CDC recommendations issued last week.

The agency is recommending indoor masks for anyone in a school building - teachers, staff, students and visitors - regardless of vaccination status.

Wolf has indicated he prefers people continue to get vaccinated against the virus as opposed to reinstating mask mandates.

Be the first to know what's happening in your community and region. With a free Patch subscription, you'll always be up to date on local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe.