Governor Doug Ducey on Monday lifted a statewide mask mandate for schools. It cancels part of an executive order issued last summer, which required face coverings within the state’s K to 12 schools.
Individual districts and charter schools will still have the authority to implement mask mandates and other COVID-19 mitigation strategies. Ducey cited Arizona’s rising vaccination rates as a reason behind the cancellation. State Superintendent Kathy Hoffman publicly criticized the move in a statement, citing health concerns for children under 16, who are still unable to receive COVID-19 vaccines. The Flagstaff Unified School District will continue to require face coverings.
