COLUMBIA, S.C. — A teacher advocacy group is praising Columbia's decision to pass a mask mandate in schools in the city.
SC for ED issued a statement late Thursday about the Columbia City Council passing a mandatory mask mandate earlier in the day. The ordinance covers all public and private schools elementary schools within the city limits.
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin said the mandate was necessary because kids under the age of 12 are unable to be vaccinated.
SC for Ed spokesperson Lisa Ellis said of the mandate, " Considering the spike in COVID cases with the Delta variant and in particular, it's impact on children, we are worried about returning to school without a mask mandate in place. We are particularly concerned about students at the elementary school level since they are not cleared to receive the vaccine at this time. Mayor Benjamin's emergency order is a great step in protecting the well being of students. "
The ordinance is in effect for 61 days beginning from Thursday, but the council has the option of extending it if necessary.
A total of 43 schools are under the order. Again, this only applies to schools in the city limits, so all but one school in Richland Two and some in Richland One are not under the mandate. School begins for students in Richland One and Richland Two on Aug. 18.