Houghton schools end mask mandate on buses

Changes in masking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are allowing districts to relax mandates on buses. Those requirements fell under the purview of the federal government, although there is some disagreement on who has jurisdiction. School buses have usually been exempt from most restrictions imposed on public transportation, but the CDC specifically said their mask order applied. The Wisconsin School Bus Association has consistently held that guidance from the agency is not law. The Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation has never issued a similar statement of support for choice.

On Friday, the CDC quickly changed course, writing, “”Effective February 25, 2022, CDC does not require wearing of masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs.” Houghton-Portage Township Superintendent Anders Hill wrote to parents on Monday to inform them that the district was now mask-optional for transportation, matching what the policy has been inside the classroom since the beginning of the school year.

The CDC justified masking during travel when it released the initial order on January 29, 2021, saying that it was a major factor in COVID spread. “Travel contributes to interstate and international spread of COVID-19. Wearing masks that completely cover the mouth and nose reduces the spread of COVID-19. People who never develop symptoms (asymptomatic) or are not yet showing symptoms (pre-symptomatic) might not know that they are infected but can still spread COVID-19 to others. Masks also offer protection to the wearer.”