By Kevin Deutsch
The Broward County School Board on Tuesday lifted its COVID-19 mask mandate amid a sharp decrease in local infections but said it would “strongly encourage” all students, staff, visitors, and vendors to continue wearing face coverings to school.
The new policy goes into effect this Saturday, Nov. 20. A formal opt-out process will not be utilized, district officials said.
Broward public schools will also follow the Florida Department of Health guidelines for quarantining, officials said.
Tuesday’s decision follows the board’s Oct. 26 vote lifting of the mask mandate for high schools and technical colleges.
Tuesday’s mandate reversal was approved by school board members 7 to 1, with member Sarah Leonardi the only dissenting vote on the issue. Member Ann Murray was absent.
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Author Profile
- Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning journalist and author of two nonfiction books. He covers general assignment news and Jewish community issues for Talk Media. He has also worked as a staff writer at The Miami Times, the Rio Grande SUN, the New York Daily News, Newsday, The Miami Herald, The Palm Beach Post, The Riverdale Press, and Bronx Justice News.
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