Richland school board reinstates mask mandate to March 21 following state announcement
RICHLAND, Wash. - The Richland school board voted to reinstate the school mask mandate until March 21 following the announcement made by the state to end indoor masking at bars, restaurants, grocery stores and schools on that same date.
On Feb. 15, the school board voted to end the mask mandate throughout the district. As a result, the schools were under emergency closure and faced the possibility of having funds withheld from the state.
Board members voted 4-1 to reinstate the mandate, according to KEPR-TV.
In response to the initial school board vote, the Richland School District announced they would close Wednesday, and put an alert message on the homepage of their website:
"During a special meeting of the Richland School Board, board members voted 3-2 to make the wearing of face coverings in district schools and facilities optional.
"All RSD schools and facilities are in an emergency closure for Wednesday, Feb. 16 to plan a path forward. No student transportation will be provided, including to Delta High School or Tri-Tech Skills Center.
"We ask for your patience as the district works to ensure our schools can continue to serve all students."
Richland is located in Benton County, which had one of the highest COVID infection rates in the U.S. just weeks ago. Data from the Washington State Department of Health has their vaccination rate at 55%, with a seven-day case rate of 1,071 per 100,000 population.
Washington’s mask mandate has been in effect since Aug. 23, 2021.
RELATED: Northeast WA school district ends face mask requirement, state threatens to withhold funding
READ MORE: Washington state superintendent wants mask mandate lifted in schools
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