x
Breaking News
More () »

Huntsville City Schools announces masking policy at emergency Board of Education meeting

This decision contradicts Gov. Kay Ivey, who earlier this month called for students to return to classrooms without mask mandates.

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — The Huntsville City Schools Board of Education at an emergency board meeting on Monday announced that people over the age of two will be required to wear a mask while at school.

Earlier in July, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said children should return to schools in person without mask mandates in place. On July 19, the American Academy of Pediatrics released guidance recommending anyone over the age of two to wear, including those who are fully vaccinated, wear masks when returning to school.

RELATED: Gov. Kay Ivey: Alabama students should return to class in person, no mask mandates

RELATED: All students should wear masks in school this fall, top pediatrics group says

Huntsville City Schools Board Member Ryan Renaud said the decision was made out of necessity. He said the decision was based on data and that the district has multiple students who are at high risk.

Renaud went on to say that the situation is not static and can be reviewed at any point as the COVID-19 situation changes.

HCS Superintendent Christie Finley said the masking requirements only impact indoor events. Masks will not be required at outdoor sporting events like football games.

Board Member Elisa Ferrell said events will not be halted in any way by this decision.

Two people attending the meeting were removed for disrupting the meeting after the decision was announced.

This is a developing story that the WZDX News team is following.

RELATED: Vaccine inequity: Inside the cutthroat race to secure doses

RELATED: Health experts preparing for potential surge of COVID

RELATED: Clusters of unvaccinated people could lead to more dangerous variants, scientists warn

RELATED: US coronavirus cases rising again

RELATED: We could see COVID-19 strains get stronger if people don't vaccinate.

RELATED: VA mandates COVID-19 vaccination for health care workers

Before You Leave, Check This Out