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.
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.
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