Governor Tom Wolf says he plans to return control for school mask mandates to local districts early next year.
While the current order from the PA Secretary of Health requires masks to be worn inside school buildings by children and adults regardless of vaccination status, Wolf anticipates an announcement in mid-January that would shift responsibility for rules back to the local level.
The state order will continue to remain in effect for early learning programs and child-care providers until further notice. Children ages 5 and older are now eligible to receive a reduced dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
A legal challenge to the mask mandate from parents and argued by local lawyers continues to progress in Commonwealth Court.
