MASSACHUSETTS WILL LIFT its mask mandate for schools on February 28, Gov. Charlie Baker announced Wednesday. “Given the extremely low risk to young people, the widespread availability and proven effectiveness of vaccines and the distribution of accurate test protocols and tests, it’s time to give kids a sense of normalcy and lift the mask mandate […]
masks
Posted inEducation
State education board OKs school mask mandate
THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION granted Education Commissioner Jeff Riley’s request for authority to impose a mask mandate for all students and staff in K-12 schools this fall, something Riley said he intends to order through at least the beginning of October. “I want to be clear that we are hopeful this will be a […]
Posted inNews Analysis, Politics
Baker plays catch-up on vaccines, masks
CHARLIE BAKER has fashioned a Teflon political brand by bringing a drama-averse, middle-of-the-road bearing to issues that often incite passions and polarization. That approach seems closely tied to his persistent high favorability polling, projecting an image of the state’s two-term governor as someone operating above the partisan fray. But sometimes that approach comes off more […]
Posted inEducation
Poll shows strong support for school mask mandate
WHILE GOV. CHARLIE BAKER continues to resist imposing a statewide mask mandate for Massachusetts schools, new poll results show strong public support for such a measure. According to a new survey from the MassINC Polling Group, 81 percent of Massachusetts registered voters say they strongly support or somewhat support a policy requiring masks for anyone […]
Posted inEducation
Baker will not mandate masks in schools
THE MASSACHUSETTS Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on Friday issued new guidance “strongly recommending” that elementary school students wear masks this fall, but leaving the decision up to individual school districts. The guidance also recommends that vaccinated students not be required to wear masks. The new guidance falls far short of the indoor mask […]