California students allowed to go maskless as mandate ends for schools

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As California students return to class from the weekend, many will do so without face masks.

As of Saturday, folks at schools, child care facilities and colleges are no longer required to wear a face covering.

State health leaders say they reviewed student vaccination rates, COVID-19 case numbers, hospitalization rates, CDC guidance and more data before deciding to lift the mandate.

Officials still recommend those who are unvaccinated continue wearing a mask while indoors.

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Tensions are high among parents who are tired of sending their kids to school with masks and those who say it's not time to take them off.

Each county and school district has the option to impose stronger guidelines than the state.

However, school districts in Central California have announced they will be following state guidelines.

Gov. Gavin Newsom also updated CalOSHA requirements. That means indoor masking at schools is no longer required for staff, regardless of vaccination status.

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