Beshear Now Says Masks Are Required In Schools

Darren Doyle, story:
Just when many students were prepared to start a closer-to-normal school year tomorrow, Governor Andy Beshear says masks will be required in schools, as directed by yet another executive order from his office.

"We gave a very clear recommendation that every school in Kentucky to mandate masking," he said today in another press conference. "For everybody in the building. Really simple, really clear, and 100% scientifically backed from the very top of the CDC to every local health department. We didn't see all our school districts grab a hold of that, but I'll talk in a minute, we have seen a bunch of them, we've seen a lot of local leadership."

Beshear went on to say that students simply wouldn't be able to go to in-person school right now if people are unwilling to put on a mask.

"We're to the point where we cannot allow our kids to go into these buildings unprotected, unvaccinated, and face this delta variant," he said. "So I'm going to have the courage to do what is right. To protect our children. I've always told people I'd always treat every Kentucky child like they're mine, and treat every family like mine. So today, I'm signing an executive order that requires--that requires-- all individuals, all teachers, staff, students, and visitors in K-12 schools and childcare, and pre-K, wear a mask."

The actual language in the order reads as follows:

Face Coverings Executive Order:
Children age 2 and up in child care, pre-K, K-12 schools

• All individuals-all teachers, staff, students and visitors-must cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when indoors in all public and private preschool, Head Start, elementary, middle and high schools (preschool through grad 12, as well as child care centers) in Kentucky, regardless of vaccination status.

 Just yesterday, Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander announced extra precautions all local schools would be taking to help stop the spread of COVID. In that announcement, Alexander said that while masks would be recommended, they would not be required; however, that is likely going to change, pending a statement from Edmonson County Schools.

"Edmonson County Schools are aware of the governor's executive order regarding masking that was announced this afternoon," he said. "However, we have not had time to draft a response regarding this announcement.  School districts were not given advance notice regarding this announcement."

He said the school system will release a statement later this evening at approximately 7:00 pm CT regarding the governor's Executive Order. 

"We realize the timing, with tomorrow being the first day for students, is not optimal to say the least," he continued. "We understand parents and students have questions; please allow us the opportunity to prepare a statement regarding this after reading the Executive Order."

The complete executive order document can be read here.