PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Students and staff at all Pasco County schools will be required to wear face masks for the remainder of the school year, school officials decided on Monday.
The school district cited the ongoing coronavirus pandemic for the reason masks will be needed to be worn on campuses and in office buildings. In a statement, Pasco County Schools says masks played a large role in limiting the spread of COVID in classrooms throughout the 2020-2021 school year.
RELATED: Tampa Bay area districts, parents and teachers react to Florida's 'voluntary face mask policy'
The statement was in stark contrast to a letter sent by Florida's Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran to school districts across the state. The commissioner cited a lack of evidence that linked mask mandates and the spread of COVID-19 in schools.
However, some public health experts were skeptical about the evidence presented.
In his letter, Corcoran asked that school districts make face masks optional next school year. Pasco County Schools did not mention the following school year in their decision.
The last day of school in Pasco County is May 26.
What other people are reading right now:
- Biden's first 100 days: Where he stands on key promises
- Largo police investigate stabbing that left 2 women dead, 1 man hurt
- Florida resumes use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at FEMA sites
- Carol Baskin says reports of Joe Exotic accepting her help for a shorter sentence are 'total nonsense'
- Body camera video shows Tampa police officer shoot dog that ran toward her
►Breaking news and weather alerts: Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter
