(LEX 18) — Some kids in the Bluegrass will not be wearing masks at school Tuesday as districts choose to make masks optional.
As mask mandates in school districts across central Kentucky have changed, masks remain required for all students and staff in Fayette County.
Superintendent Dr. Demetrius Liggins told parents in a newsletter the week of February 14 that universal masking will continue to be the standard for FCPS.
Bourbon County Public Schools went mask optional February 21. Boyle, Jessamine, and Clark County schools are all mask optional beginning February 22.
Scott County and Harrison County schools will make masks optional beginning February 28.
During his weekly Monday COVID-19 briefing, Gov. Andy Beshear said he believes it is "too soon" for school districts to drop their mask requirements.
Beshear no longer has the power to institute mask mandates, but he's encouraged school districts to keep rules in place.
"Right now, we're the level we're at and the low vaccination rates, I don't believe it's fully safe to go mask optional," said Beshear.
If COVID-19 cases continue to drop, Beshear said he could announce new guidance for schools come March 14.
The House Education Committee recently passed a Republican-sponsored bill that would ban mask mandates in public schools and universities. HB 51 now moves to the full house for a vote.
