School Masking An Ongoing Controversy

Masking at schools has been an ongoing flashpoint for controversy among Manhattan Beach parents.

In particular, a K-8 outdoor masking requirement came under criticism last fall from a vocal group of parents who complained about it at school board meetings. (There had not been an outdoor mask requirement for high school students at that time, given that students ages 12 and over were able to be vaccinated.)

That pressure appeared to be resolved at the end of November when MBUSD announced that it would lift its outdoor masking requirement for elementary and middle school students after winter break, due to the new availability of vaccines for that age group.

However, with the rapid spread of the Omicron variant over winter break, Los Angeles County came back with stricter masking requirements for all.

An LACDPH order issued on January 1 required masks to be worn outdoors at schools in crowded spaces, except when students were eating or drinking. That order applied to all public and private schools in L.A. County.

With Tuesday's announcement, local students will once again go back to mask-free time outdoors.