Newport-Mesa Unified Students Can Go Mask Free This Weekend

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Students enrolled in the Newport Mesa-Unified School District will not have to wear face masks at school starting Saturday.

The district said it was following California Department of Public Health guidelines in removing the mask mandate. Masks will not be required on campus or in buses, the district said.

The Department of Public Health announced last month it was going to lift its indoor mask mandate for school children.

Newport-Mesa Unified officials said in a statement they understand there are "differing perspectives regarding masking wearing."

"We remain committed to fostering supportive school environments where we respect individual choice for those who choose to continue wearing masks and those who choose not to wear masks," officials said. "We ask that you also respect and support personal choice and treat each other with kindness."

While the district is removing its mask mandate, it said it will still have personal protective equipment available for students that request it.

Schools will also still implement enhanced ventilation and cleaning in classrooms and conduct contact tracing when needed, Newport-Mesa Unified said.