Gov. Steve Bullock changed his stance on masks in schools Wednesday and is now directing students attending class in counties with four or more COVID-19 cases to wear masks.
Bullock issued amid-July directive mandating Montanans wear masks inside businesses and other public buildings that reside in counties with four or more COVID-19 cases. The directive did not apply to schools at that time, he said.
Many school districts already require all students and staff to wear masks when they return to class later this month, but some districts were making it optional for students.
Bullock reversed that decision during Wednesday’s press conference.
“However for those that are strongly encouraging the wearing of masks or face coverings in our buildings, I do fear that that won’t be enough to keep those teachers and students safe,” he said.
The Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all students wear masks.