Charleston school district will enforce mask mandate without using state funds
The Charleston County School District (CCSD) Board of Trustees voted 8-0 Monday to enforce its previous mask requirements for students and staff on school grounds without using funds from the state budget. One member abstained.
Board Chairman Eric Mack said he hopes using federal funds to enforce the district’s previously passed mask mandate will keep the district in compliance with a state budget proviso that bars South Carolina schools from mandating masks.
Details regarding what enforcement would look like are expected to be announced by the end of the week, as district leaders continue to work them out. Enforcement is set to begin Sept. 20 through Oct. 15.
Charleston City Council will also be weighing a similar mandate tonight.
An ordinance requiring face coverings in certain circumstances in the city to “reduce risk of exposure to COVID-19 during the public health emergency and recovery” is on the agenda. Last month’s public meeting drew heated crowds of protesters that garnered national attention. Tonight’s meeting will be held virtually.
Latest COVID-19 data
South Carolina health officials reported 4,269 total cases of COVID-19 Sept. 14, with 3,552 confirmed. A total of 43 new deaths, with 35 confirmed, were reported Tuesday.
With 31,054 tests reported, 12.9% were confirmed positive.
Percentage of S.C. residents with at least 1 vaccine: 58.6%
Percentage of S.C. residents who have completed vaccination: 49.7%
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