Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Masks In Schools Remain A Flashpoint
Reuters: COVID-19 Mask Mandates Latest Flashpoint For U.S. Schools
Two days after the school board in Johnston, Iowa, decided last week to keep requiring mask wearing in schools to prevent coronavirus transmission, the state's Republican governor signed a law that immediately prohibited such mandates. The reaction in Johnston was swift and sharply divided, with some parents applauding the move to make masks optional for the waning days of the school year and others calling it dangerous given the continued threat from COVID-19. "I just find it super disappointing and selfish," said local parent Sara Parris, who is still sending her two sons to class with face coverings. (Jenkins and Bernstein, 5/25)
Ames Tribune: Iowa School Districts To Sort Out Compliance With Federal Mask Law
It's up to Iowa school districts to determine whether they are in compliance with federal rules about masks on buses, according to state agencies — and those federal rules remain in place after the passage of the state's law banning mask mandates. Last week, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law a ban on mask mandates by schools and other local government authorities. (Sitter, 5/25)
The CT Mirror: Judge Upholds CT Mask Requirement For School Children
A Hartford judge has ruled in favor of Gov. Ned Lamont in the legal battle over the constitutionality of his requirement that children wear masks in school. Citing a recent state Supreme Court decision and the General Assembly’s vote earlier this month to expand the governor’s emergency powers, Superior Court Judge Thomas Moukawsher said in his Monday ruling that the court will grant the defendants this final decision “not merely because the lawsuit is moot — but because the actions of the executive have been ratified as correct by both the co-equal branches of government.” (Watson, 5/25)
northjersey.com: Why You Can Still Expect Masks In NJ Schools This Fall
Parents of children up to preteen ages can expect them to wear masks when they go back to school this fall despite the state lifting mask requirements for adults, Gov. Phil Murphy said Tuesday. In an interview on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" one day after announcing he's rolling back mask requirements, Murphy said he anticipates issuing guidance next month on what to expect in the fall. (Racioppi, 5/25)
Health News Florida: Legal Fight Over Alachua County Mask Mandate May Be Moot
A year-long legal battle about a mask mandate in Alachua County could be moot after Gov. Ron DeSantis this month suspended local COVID-19 restrictions, according to a new court filing. A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal heard arguments in November in a challenge to the constitutionality of an Alachua County order that required people to wear masks at businesses such as restaurants and grocery stores. (5/25)
AP: Hawaii Governor Eliminates Mask Mandate For Outdoors
Hawaii Gov. David Ige said Tuesday people will no longer have to wear masks outdoors as the number of COVID-19 cases drop and more people get vaccinated. The governor said he would maintain a requirement that people wear masks indoors. The same rules will apply regardless of whether someone is vaccinated. Still, the governor said he would encourage those who are in large groups outside to continue to wear masks. (McAvoy, 5/26)
