Arkansas governor: Schools need flexibility on stronger mask rules

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas' governor on Wednesday said he believes it should remain up to local school districts rather than the state whether to require all students to wear masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus when classes resume next month.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he doesn't think a broad rule on masks for students should be issued statewide, despite a recommendation from pediatricians for a stricter requirement in K-12 schools. Arkansas this week began requiring masks to be worn in public when social distancing isn't possible, but the order exempts children under 10.

Hutchinson said some schools may have enough room for students to socially distance in class without requiring a mask.

"I think there ought to be some flexibility for the social distancing and the environment the students are in," Hutchinson said, who noted some districts have already approved such requirements. "I think there has to be some flexibility there."

Read more: https://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/arkansas/story/2020/jul/23/arkansas-governor-schools-need-flexibility-stronger-mask-rules/835173/

A complete lack of leadership on part of the governor.