Carney extends mask requirement in Delaware schools
WILMINGTON — Delaware’s emergency masking requirement in public and private K-12 schools was extended until Feb. 8 by Gov. John Carney on Wednesday.
Children between the ages of 5-11 recently became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Gov. Carney said in a statement the hope is the extension will provide enough time for enough children to be fully vaccinated by Feb. 8 to lift the mandate in its entirety.
“It’s our hope that, by February, we will be able to lift the state mask requirement,” Gov. Carney said. “Our focus over the coming weeks and months will be on increasing Delaware’s vaccination rates. That’s how we’ll finally move past this pandemic. These vaccines are free, safe, and extremely protective against the COVID-19 virus. Getting the shot will keep Delaware’s children protected, and keep them in school. I’d encourage all eligible Delawareans to get their shot.”
The masking requirement in schools was originally issued as part of an emergency order on Aug. 13 by the Secretary of Education and was set to expire on Dec. 10. According to Delaware law, emergency orders can be extended by 60 days just once, which will take the order to Feb. 8.
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