Columbus County Schools reverses decision, will mandate masks indoors

WHITEVILLE, N.C. (WECT) - The Columbus County Board of Education has reversed its decision to make masks optional in school.

In an emergency meeting Friday morning, the school board met to discuss COVID-19 protocols ahead of the start of the 2021-2022 school year next week. The board previously voted against making masks mandatory for students and staff to begin the school year.

With COVID-19 cases rising, Superintendent Deanne Meadows recommended that the board make a motion to require masks in school. The motion passed unanimously.

All students and staff, and any visitors, will be required to wear masks on Columbus County Schools property and transportation beginning Monday, August 23.

Masks will not be required when outdoors, actively eating, working alone in an office or classroom, or if an individual is six feet from another person, as long as a teacher allows it.

Copyright 2021 WECT. All rights reserved.