MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County will not continue the mask mandate for schools once it expires on Wednesday, according to Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel.
Wendel, in a statement on Monday morning, says although the State’s requirement will be lifted, the Governor has indicated that counties and cities may still require masks in their area schools, something he will not be doing.
“Our COVID-19 leadership team had previously discussed our position on masks in schools and after careful consideration we have decided that Chautauqua County will not be implementing any further mask mandates in our schools at this time,” said Wednel.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Sunday the statewide mask requirement in schools will be lifted starting on Wednesday.
The announcement makes it optional for students, teachers, and school staff to continue to wear masks in schools. This notice also includes children ages two and older in childcare facilities.
The statewide mask requirement is still in effect for state-regulated healthcare settings, state-regulated adult care facilities and nursing homes, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters and modes of public transportation.
As for local districts, many like Jamestown Public Schools plan to lift the masking requirements, however are waiting for further guidance from the county health department about quarantine, isolation, and social distancing.
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