An order from the PA Department of Health requiring masks for people in K-12 schools will remain in place for now due to a decision in Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court.
Yesterday, the State Supreme Court Justices voted 5-1 to grant a hold on the commonwealth court order that would overturn the mask mandate effective Saturday. The commonwealth court’s decision to overturn the mask mandate came on November 10th, saying acting Health Secretary did not have the authority to issue the mask mandate, that she did not comply with state laws about reviewing and approving regulations, and the order was issued outside of an existing disaster emergency declaration by the Governor.
Reports say that the decision is not meant to be a final word on the matter. Oral arguments are expected to be heard next week.
Before the lawsuit’s result was announced, Governor Tom Wolf said he expected to return control of the mask mandates to k-12 schools in January, but would continue to require masks in child care centers and early learning programs. Wolf said yesterday that he has no plans for future mitigation efforts as the omicron variant spreads overseas.
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