Montgomery County’s Board of Education had spent a lot of time deciding whether the mask mandate should be lifted or not. On March 8, 2022, the Board of Education voted to make masks optional throughout all MCPS schools and facilities immediately upon announcement.
One factor in the Board’s decision was the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the County. In a series of interviews performed by the MoCo Student, some students were in support of the new mask-optional policy, and some were opposed to it, or at least wanted to continue personal mask use. “I feel like it won’t be beneficial at all. If they keep the mask mandate, it will be safer. If they don’t, it will only increase the risk of people getting sick, even if the situation isn’t as bad,” an eighth-grader from Cabin John Middle School (CJMS) stated.
Contrastingly, Reanna Jin was one of the few students who strongly supported the mandate being lifted. She believes it’s good that the mandate was lifted. “[T]he benefits are clear. Masks make it harder to breathe… inconvenient for doing most things like eating, drinking, exercising, even playing instruments,” said the CJMS eighth grader. Most students listed that it would be beneficial to also breathe fresher air, as well as see peers’ faces. Some even mentioned that it would be easier to do school-related activities, such as performing in a band.
Like many others, Jin took into consideration that the COVID-19 cases were likely going to increase (however minimally). Many have health concerns, including a teacher from CJMS. “I respect everyone to be able to make the decision for themselves when science can support such a decision. I respect the lifting of the mandate, but personally will not be removing my mask for the rest of the year,” Todd Jones-Prettyman had said, with concerns for his two young sons that may not be as well protected against the virus.
On the other hand, CJMS teacher Bianca Morales had a somewhat different view. “I feel that the situation is important but also more of an individual opinion rather than a whole group consensus.” She supports the mask mandate being lifted, but has regard to other people’s concerns and perspectives.
“I think it’s about time… it’s appropriate,” Minh Vo, the mother of four students, had replied in response to the lifted mandate. She believes that a “majority of people got vaccinated” and that the risk of COVID-19 isn’t as bad as it used to be. Although she mentions that hand hygiene and COVID-19 safety protocols are important, she also supports the board’s decision to lift the mandate. Regardless, Vo is hesitant, as she is still deciding whether to mask or unmask based on her safety.
Many in the community have different opinions about the mask mandate being lifted. While it’s important to take precautions for health, anyone can decide for their self whether to remain masked or unmasked. “I think I’ll still wear a mask either way,” the anonymous eighth grader said. “I’m so used to it by now, that it feels weird if I don’t wear one.”
Written by Qwyen Le of Cabin John Middle School
“Protective medical mask on globe closeup.” by shixart1985 is marked with CC BY 2.0.