OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County commissioners have made some changes to the mask mandate that has been in place for months.
Commissioners changed some of the mandate’s language to help athletes practice safely.
It’s been almost three months since a mandate in Osceola County was enacted, requiring everyone in public to wear a mask. There is no work on it being lifted anytime soon. But, on Monday, some of the language in the mandate was adjusted, directly impacting those who play sports.
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“We decided that while they’re playing in the field to have no mask,” Commissioner Peggy Choudhry said. “If you’re playing something out in the field, it’s very difficult to breathe.”
However, if you are sitting on the sidelines, the mask must be on.
Some parents are not for the change, saying it’s too early to start picking and choosing.
“Commissioners yesterday decided athletes do not need to wear a mask on the field, only when they are on the sidelines. This is a poor example of what we’re supposed to be representing when we want our students to stay safe,” said Tamika Lyles.
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The Osceola County School Board said the policy has already been changed, meaning students are not required to wear masks while playing, but must wear it on the sidelines and in huddles.
Commissioners also go rid of the language in the mandate that said anyone not wearing a mask in public could face a fine, which now aligns with the governor’s order.