PHOENIX — On Monday, after facing harsh criticism for allowing private businesses to require “vaccine passports,” for access to goods and services, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey immediately announced his decision to rescinded orders that direct K-12 schools to require masks be worn by children.
Despite the fact that many teachers and school faculty are now fully vaccinated after being some of the first in line for vaccine prioritization, K-12 students were still forced to wear masks in their classrooms and at recess until Monday.
The Governor’s Office says the decision to unmask aligns with the current CDC guidance.
The decision rescinds a section of Executive Order 2020-51, issued by the Governor in July directing schools to require face masks, and Emergency Measure 2020-04, issued by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) outlining requirements for mask usage in schools.
The CDC in March issued updated recommendations for preventing COVID-19 in schools. On March 29, ADHS adopted the CDC’s recommendations in its K-12 School Guidance for COVID-19.
Ducey’s decision allows K-12 school districts and charter schools to maintain the right to institute and enforce policies to mitigate against COVID-19 spread, including the use of masks.