Written by Lev Finzi
Today, May 31st marks the first day for all South Bay Union Schools to be wearing masks in all public areas. The South Bay Union School District has announced that this mandate will be in effect until the end of the year.
The District Superintendent, Jose Espinoza, has claimed that the School District is going back to this mandate due to the San Diego County COVID Case Rate Dashboard putting all of the included zip codes in the “red tier”
“Red tier” in essence means some “non-essential” businesses or areas are close to the public. Places like bars/breweries, offices, live sports events, and amusement parks to list a few. Museums, zoos, aquariums, places of worship, movie theaters, gyms, restaurants, and retail can remain open for business, although modifications and restrictions must be made to keep the safety of citizens.
The School District has said that they are following science and breaking news to base their decision. While younger students who have no risk to COVID are completely healthy, the School District is following through with the mask mandate for every student, no matter the health of the children.
Parents of students in the South Bay district received an email from Espinoza explaining that “Starting Tuesday, May 31, masks will be required for all staff and students in all settings through the end of the school year. This includes during promotion ceremonies and other year-end events. All other mitigation strategies (e.g., frequent hand washing) will remain in effect,”
San Diego Unified School District has introduced a similar mask mandate, but it masks would only be highly recommended and not required in public areas.
Photo Cred: Port of San Diego
