Monday marks the end of mask mandates in the state’s two largest school districts, Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Wake County schools.
The beginning of mask-optional policies in CMS and Wake means about 293,000 students and 38,000 employees can report to classes without face coverings. It’s the first time since the pandemic closed schools in March of 2020.
The governor and state health officials set Monday as the target for making masks optional in public schools. Most districts have already done so. Of the few remaining, several have school board votes scheduled for Monday or Tuesday.
But at least three districts, including Durham Public Schools, recently voted to keep their mandates in place past Monday.
School and health officials note that making masks optional doesn’t mean they’ll vanish. Adults and children who want the added layer of protection against COVID-19 may continue to wear them.
