Philadelphia schools will require children to wear masks for two weeks after returning from winter break.
The decision comes as most states have seen a significant increase in C*VID cases and hospitalizations in the past two weeks. Yet masks are not required in any other indoor public setting in the city.
Speaking to reporters, Superintendent Tony Watlington called the decision a “proactive measure” to keep c*ronavirus from spreading, as “many of us will be involved in quite a few social gatherings over the next few weeks.”
District Spokesperson Christina Clark added that the officials would take any actions to “protect the health and well-being” of their students.
As The Washington Free Beacon reports:
News of the mask mandate comes as further evidence emerges of COVID restrictions' disastrous impact on education. Only 16.2 percent of third- to eighth-graders in Philadelphia scored proficient or better in math—compared with 21.6 percent before government lockdowns, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported. The district's goal in late 2020 was to hit a 28.7 percent proficiency rate, meaning it missed the mark by 12.5 points.
Philadelphia students aren't alone. Los Angeles and Oakland are considering reimposing mask mandates, and Sacramento may also reimpose masks in schools.
Despite widespread parental backlash, Democrats continued to defend school lockdowns into the 2022 election cycle. Pennsylvania Democratic senator-elect John Fetterman called past school lockdowns an “absolute necessity.” Democratic governor-elect Josh Shapiro threatened to sue the Trump administration if the state was forced to reopen schools in 2020.
The latest period of mandatory masking is scheduled to end on Jan. 13.
This is a breaking news story. Check back with American Liberty News for the latest updates.
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