Sarasota School Board mandates masks in school; DeSantis says move is illegal

The Sarasota County School Board enacted a district-wide mask mandate on Friday night during a special board meeting called to address an ever-increasing number of COID-19 cases in the district. Hours later, Gov. Ron DeSantis, during an appearance in Bradenton, said he thought Sarasota’s mandate was illegal.

“I think it violates the Parents Bill of Rights in Florida, which is state law,” DeSantis said in response to a reporter’s question about the new mandate. “And ultimately this is a decision for the parents.”

Under the new policy approved on a 3-2 vote by the School Board, all students and staff will be required to wear masks until Sarasota County’s COVID-19 positivity rate falls below 8%. The policy will automatically suspend if the rate falls below 8% for three days and will be reinstated if it rises above 10% for three consecutive days.

It is not clear what will happen if students do not wear masks or how it will be enforced. The only exemptions are for medical purposes. The policy takes effect immediately.

https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/education/2021/08/20/covid-19-spike-causes-mask-mandatory-rule-sarasota-schools/8193065002/