COVID-19 Cases Decrease in a Mask-Optional North Carolina School System

One of the few public-school systems in North Carolina that has stood its ground on keeping masks optional, despite a legal threat from the state, has seen a decrease in COVID-19 cases. The COVID-19 dashboard for the Union County Public Schools (UCPS) reported 170 positive cases last Friday, down from 252 the previous week, and down from 479 in the second week of September. There are 53 schools, 41,500 students, and 5,100 employees in the school system. The Union County Board of Education voted to keep masks optional in July, and since, has faced heated criticism. In its meeting last week, the board voted 7–2 to remain mask-optional. Senate Bill 654 requires that each school district revisit its masking policy monthly. UCPS is one of seven out of the 116 school districts in North Carolina that is currently keeping masks optional. In August, Gov. Roy Cooper sent a letter to …

Originally appeared on The Epoch Times

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