Mask mandate just lifted for Craven and Pamlico students. Here's what you need to know
The Pamlico County Board of Education called a special meeting on Thursday to lift the school mask mandate. Later that evening, the Craven County Board of Education did the same.
Following the public comment period, the board voted to lift the mask mandate, which was met by applause from the full crowd in attendance.
Craven and Pamlico's new optional mask policy both go into effect on Friday.
The board voted 6-1 in favor of optional masks, with Board Member Carr Ipock the lone 'no' vote. The board also voted 6-1 to make the new policy go into effect on Friday, with Board Member Namoi Clark the lone 'no' vote.
Masks will still be required on public school transportation, according to federal law.
The vote followed another protest outside the meeting from residents for and against the mask mandate and pediatric vaccines. Dozens came to voice their concerns on Nov. 3 during a special meeting on redistricting.
Most who signed up for the public comment period spoke against the mask mandate.
Superintendent Wendy Miller gave her recommendation to the board during Tuesday's workshop to go mask optional.
The board sought opinions from Craven County Health Director Scott Harrelson and CCS Lead Nurse Luanne Mack during the workshop, as well as the public's comment on Thursday.
Since the board's last decision to keep the mask mandate was announced on Oct. 21, Harrelson said the only thing that has changed in combating COVID-19 is the addition of the Pfizer pediatric vaccine.
RELATED: Craven County school mask mandate could be lifted as early as Thursday
"Everything that could be put towards this issue will be in place shortly," said Harrelson. Right now, Pfizer has approved the 5-11-year-old vaccine but only 4% of the population in that age range has taken advantage of it. Only about 20% of parents plan to get their kids vaccinated in Craven, after a recent survey."
On Thursday, the county transmission rate was back in the yellow (moderate), averaging 48.95 cases a week per 100,000 people, according to the CDC. The county percent positive rate was listed as 2.3%, which both numbers are under the level at which Miller said the board could lift the mandate if the numbers held for seven straight days.
The transmission rate stay at yellow for three days last week but has switched back to orange several times. Harrelson added that was something the county could see for the next month.
"We are getting down to about seven cases a day in Craven. I think right now we are plateauing at a lower level with new cases. The positivity rate is pretty low, hospitalizations are low as well," said Harrelson.
Between August and October, CCS has seen 67 mask exemptions filed while only approving 39. Miller said for parents who do not agree with the committee's decision, they can appeal directly to her.
During Tuesday's work session, the board approved both screening and diagnostic testing for staff and students. Each will be offered on an opt-in basis and is free.
The board is still required to discuss a mask policy at meetings moving forward as required by North Carolina law which Gov. Roy Cooper signed in July, giving school boards the freedom to lift or implement a mask mandate.
MORE: The pediatric vaccine could have a role in eliminating mask mandate all together
Reporter Trevor Dunnell can be reached by email at tdunnell@newbernsj.com. Please consider supporting local journalism by signing up for a digital subscription.
This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Craven, Pamlico County Schools lifts mask mandate for students & staff
