State announces student mask mandate will end March 12

By Doug Spoon, Editor

The governor of California and two other western states today announced that the mask mandate for students would be lifted at the end of next week.

Joined by the governors of Oregon and Washington, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a joint announcement that declining COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations led to the decision to lift the mandate, effective at 11:59 p.m. March 11. New language of state health guidelines will list facemasks for students as a recommendation rather than a requirement.

State and local officials have faced increasing pressure from parents and some legislators to lift the mask mandate. In Menifee’s protests have been held on local street corners and parents addressed the Menifee Union School District board last week with their mounting frustration.

The state had already announced plans to lift its indoor mask mandate for unvaccinated residents on Tuesday.

“California continues to adjust our policies based on the latest data and science, applying what we’ve learned over the past two years to guide our response to the pandemic,” Newsom said in his statement today. “Masks are an effective tool to minimize spread of the virus and future variants, especially when transmission rates are high. We cannot predict the future of the virus, but we are better prepared for it and will continue to take measures rooted in science to keep California moving forward.

“In California, starting March 1, masks will no longer be required for unvaccinated individuals, but will be strongly recommended for all individuals in most indoor settings. After March 11, in schools and child care facilities, masks will not be required but will be strongly recommended. Masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities. As always, local jurisdictions may have additional requirements beyond the state guidance.”

State Senator Melissa Melendez, who represents parts of Southwest Riverside County, is the author of legislation asking the governor to end California's State of Emergency. She released the following statement following Newsom's announcement today:

“It’s amazing to see the Governor backpedal on his forever state of emergency over the past 96 hours. It’s not the science that has changed, it’s the political science that has changed. It’s clear the mounting political pressure from parents and Californians are driving these decisions. Now it’s time to ensure this Governor, and future Governors, cannot use states of emergency to wield ultimate power over everyday Californians again.”