SACRAMENTO – (INT) – State health officials (CDPH) are clarifying the required use of masks in California’s public schools.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the CDPH noted that many of California's school facilities can't fully accommodate physical distancing, California will align with the CDC’s guidance on school reopening by layering multiple other prevention strategies, including:

• Continued masking guidance: California will continue to require that masks be worn indoors in school settings, which also will ensure that all kids are treated the same.

• Robust testing program: Every California school has access to free testing through the robust state testing program for schools.

While mask enforcement is not clear, “it will be handled by local schools as the state recognizes the unique needs of each district and child”, the CDPH said.

Story Date: August 8, 2021