San Marcos CISD follows a number of other Texas school districts in eliminating mask mandates.
The school district says that the mask mandate was necessary when vaccines were not readily available to staff and students during the delta and omicron variant surges. With Hays County considered a low-risk county now, people are urged to stay up to date on vaccines and to get tested if they show symptoms. Following CDC guidelines, those who are not vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing their masks.
The move comes after Austin ISD, Dallas ISD and numerous other Texas school districts eliminated mask mandates. But those hesitant about ending school mask mandates often point to low childhood vaccination rates among American children. Only about a quarter of children ages 5 to 11 have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, and about 58% of children ages 12 to 17 are inoculated, the CDC says.
Parents, teachers and principals face a complicated balancing act in navigating the new rules. Some families are thrilled that their children no longer have to wear masks, while others say they’re still tentative and urging their kids to keep wearing face coverings for now. Teachers and principals are caught in the middle.
Although the mask mandate has been lifted, San Marcos CISD reminds everyone that the pandemic is not over, and for everyone to get vaccinated, remain vigilant with getting tested and stay home when sick.