RI Governor To Extend School Mask Mandate

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's school mask mandate isn't going anywhere any time soon. On Wednesday, Gov. Dan McKee said he intends to extend his executive order, which was set to expire this weekend.

The executive order mandated that school districts implement universal indoor masking protocols. McKee implemented the policy Aug. 19, ahead of the start of school in Rhode Island.

At the time, McKee said masking in schools buys the state "time until more children become eligible for vaccination."

When asked Wednesday, McKee said he would extend the order, which was initially set to end on Saturday. It's unclear at this time how long the order will remain in place.