No mask mandates in Iowa’s schools, businesses: Governor Reynolds signs law

Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa, who is a member of the Republican party, signed a law to prohibit any future mask mandates in schools and businesses in the state on Thursday.

The legislation will put a blanket block on mandates relating to facial coverings in Kindergarten all the way up to the 12th grade.

Even though wearing a face mask would still be permitted voluntarily, both public and private schools would not be able to impose any compulsions around facial coverings for students, staff and visitors. 

Also Read: Do not make the House a petri dish: Nancy Pelosi to unvaccinated US lawmakers

A separate provision, under the new law, has been reserved for exceptions. However, such situations would require a “specific extracurricular or instructional purpose”, reported CNN.

The novel law would prohibit cities and counties from implementing a mask policy that is stricter than a previous rule put into force by state authorities.

The new law comes just weeks after the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that mask would not be required for all those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the country.

However, US President Joe Biden’s top advisor to tackle the pandemic, Dr Anthony Fauci stated that children who will not be vaccinated against COVID-19 are likely to continue wearing face masks in schools, which are expected to resume usual operations this fall.

In a news release, Reynolds said, “The state of Iowa is putting parents back in control of their child’s education and taking greater steps to protect the rights of all Iowans to make their own health care decisions”, reported CNN.