School mask mandates in several Michigan counties are set to expire, now that the COVID-19 vaccine is available to kids aged five to eleven.
Some experts sound a note of caution about letting the orders lapse. They say there are other factors at play when it comes to indoor masking.
Doctor Matthew Hornik is the President of the Michigan chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
He says there could still be significant spread of the virus depending on how many kids get the vaccine, and when.
“I understand why they’re doing it. But that’s assuming that enough people are going to be vaccinated in that age group to make an effect in that time frame.”
Kalamazoo County’s school mask order for kids 11 and under is set to expire six weeks after the pediatric vaccine became available.
Similar orders in Kent and Ottawa counties will also expire 60 days after that date.