JOHNSON, Ark. — As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Arkansas, area schools are discussing whether or not to implement mask mandates for students and staff.
Earlier this month an Arkansas judge temporarily blocked the state from enforcing a law that prevents schools and other governmental agencies from requiring masks.
Pulaski County Circuit Judge, Tim Fox's decision came shortly after Arkansas lawmakers left the ban in place, ending a session Hutchinson called to consider rolling it back for some schools.
The following districts have implemented a face mask requirement for the upcoming school year.
Northwest Arkansas:
River Valley
The following districts have not implemented a face mask requirement for the upcoming school year.
Northwest Arkansas:
- Elkins
- Gravette
- Greenland
- Huntsville
- Lincoln
- Siloam Springs
- West Fork
River Valley
- Alma
- Hackett
- Mountainburg
- Ozark
- Pocola
- Roland
- Sallisaw
- Van Buren
- Waldron
Arkansas students will return to classrooms on Monday (Aug. 16) but districts that have not made a decision on mandating masks still can do so throughout the school year. Oklahoma schools welcomed students back this week.
According to the Associated Press (AP), at least 60 public school districts and charter schools have approved the mask requirements, covering at least half of the state's 473,000 public school students.