By Sahar Chmais
Following Governor Greg Abbott’s mask mandate removal, in effect beginning on March 10, Texas schools have some decisions to make.
According to Hays CISD, the commissioner of education will provide superintendents across the state specific information about how the governor’s orders will impact school on Thursday, March 4.
Hays CISD will update the community with any changes in mask requirements and the district’s plan moving forward. In the meantime, COVID-19 safety protocols in the district, including the requirement to wear a mask, remains in effect.
“This district believes masks have been essential in keeping us safe and many in our community,” wrote Tim Savoy, Hays CISD chief communication officer, “including teachers and staff, have not yet been deemed eligible by the state to get a vaccine. For others who are eligible, vaccines have been in short supply.”
COVID-19 vaccines are still not available for children. Vaccination companies are working on getting COVID-19 vaccine trials arranged, starting with children 12 and older. Once that age group is approved, trials will incrementally span to younger children.
Presuming vaccines are safe for children, they may be able to begin receiving the vaccine as early as September, according to the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Different companies are moving at different paces on arranging and finishing the trials.
