Schools, cities watching coronavirus' omicron variant for possible changes to mask policies
News of a new coronavirus variant rapidly spreading around the world comes as many North Carolina cities and school districts are in the process of relaxing mask mandates because the number of infections statewide has been steadily declining for weeks.
Posted — UpdatedA third of school districts across North Carolina no longer require masks, but officials in some said Tuesday they are keeping an eye on the impact of the omicron variant out of southern Africa to see if their policies need to change.
“As a district, we will closely monitor the spread of the new omicron variant and discuss any necessary mitigation strategies," Harnett County Schools officials said in a statement.
Other districts, including the Wake County Public School System and Cumberland County Schools, still require masks in school and plan to follow the guidance from the state, which continues to recommend universal masking indoors, officials said.
"We are continuing to closely monitor all developments related to the pandemic and strongly encourage our families and their students to be fully vaccinated and receive their booster shot when eligible," Chip Sudderth, a spokesman for Durham Public Schools, which requires masks, said in an email to WRAL News.
Gov. Roy Cooper said Tuesday that he doesn't expect any additional restrictions on schools, such as a return to online instruction, because of the new variant.
Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin said she likewise doesn't see any new restrictions in the offing, but the variant could delay any possibility of the city lifting its requirement that people wear masks in indoor public settings, such as stores.
"My hope was that, this week, we could’ve relaxed some of the mask mandate," Baldwin said. "In light of what has happened [with the variant], I think we just have to develop a wait-and-see approach."
The mayor noted that she, like many people, has "COVID fatigue."
"People are sick of wearing masks," she said.
In addition to Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville and unincorporated areas of Wake County all require masks inside public places.
Officials in Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs and Wake Forest said Tuesday they have no plans to reinstate mask mandates in the face of the omicron variant. But Cary officials said they plan to "watch, learn, monitor and adjust as needed."
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