Parts of the U.S. remain locked in a debate over mask mandates in schools as COVID-19 cases surge and students begin returning to classrooms. Some districts in states like Florida and Texas are directly defying mask mandate bans and filing lawsuits, while other localities were forced to recommend masking in lieu of a prohibited requirement for the protective gear.
More than 138,000 new infections were reported nationwide on Thursday, with the seven-day average nearly hitting 126,000. A recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that COVID-19 infections among children now make up about 14% of all cases in the U.S.
Florida is one mask battleground, where an executive order from Governor Ron DeSantis will be challenged Friday as Leon County Circuit Court Judge John Cooper is scheduled to hear a lawsuit requesting the ban be lifted.
In Texas, two major school districts defied a similar order from Governor Greg Abbott by mandating masks for students, and the Southern Center for Child Advocacy filed a lawsuit Sunday saying the ban breaches the state constitution.
Additionally, Harris County plans to take legal action against Abbott’s order.
“First responders and school leaders are speaking out and standing up as delta ravages our community. We have their back,” Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said in a statement Tuesday. “Protecting the community during an emergency is a duty, not an option for government leaders.”
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