Many schools are deciding whether or not masks will be required for the final few days of schools. Waterloo and Cedar Falls schools have both decided that their mask mandates will continue through the end of the school year. Masks will be required for school sponsored events, including graduation, as well. Others schools, like Wapsie Valley and North Butler have ended their mask mandate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently changed their guidance to say those who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear a mask in most settings.
Update: Republicans in the Iowa legislature have voted to ban mask mandates in all Iowa schools, as well as in cities and counties. Governor Reynolds signed the bill early Thursday morning and it took effect immediately. It means mask mandates are no longer allowed in any Iowa school when school starts Thursday morning.
Update from Waterloo Schools Earlier this morning, the governor signed legislation prohibiting school districts from requiring masks for staff and/or students. This law takes effect today. Starting today, Thursday, May 20, Waterloo Schools will move to Masks Optional.