Many Davis High students choose to keep masks for outside activities
PHOTO: Students engaging in games on the Davis High quad as the mask mandate is lifted.
By Leyla Bolkan,
BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–
As of Tuesday, Davis schools are allowing students to go unmasked outside if they choose. However, masks are still required in all indoor areas–at least for now.
While some students at Davis High are happy about the lift, many are concerned for the health of themselves and others.
“It’s probably going to make immunocompromised people even more vulnerable and I feel like people are going to be even less compliant with masks inside,” junior Jianna Ongsioco said.
Some students also have expressed concerns that it may be too soon to be lifting the outside mask mandate at DHS.
“I feel there isn’t a totally urgent reason to lift the mandate since some students are going home to unvaccinated or immunocompromised family members. It just seems like it’s screwing up what’s improving,” sophomore Ella Del Favero said.
Junior Jake Schaal doesn’t feel affected by the mandate because he doesn’t mind wearing his mask. However, he feels that it’s nice to take his mask off when he’s outside so he can get a breath of fresh air.
“I also don’t want anymore COVID outbreaks, so I think people should still wear masks inside at least for the near future,” Schaal said.
The California Department of Public Health stated that it will review the indoor mask mandate after Feb. 28.
If the indoor mask mandates change at the state level, Yolo County public health officials will decide if K-12 schools can lift the indoor mask mandate. But one more step is needed to make a change in Davis schools: the Davis Board of Education would have to approve changes to the mask mandate, according to DHS Principal Tom McHale.
Although an end to indoor masking does not appear to be imminent, that could change.
“I think by next school year masks will be gone but you never know,” said Laura Juanitas, DJUSD Associate Superintendent for Student Support Services.
