Masks off means more fun

By on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – InterMountain Education Service District Superintendent Mark Mulvihill said school is a different place now that the mask mandate has been lifted. He said that it’s natural for people to celebrate reconnecting without the face coverings.

“We’re social creatures whether we’re 5 years old or 55 years old,” he said. “In the schools, there’s been a marked difference without the masks and without the distancing.”

Mulvihill said that now that the decision is left up to individual school districts, he’s glad to see tolerance and understanding being shown to those who choose to keep their faces covered.

“In general, people are relieved that they’re gone,” he said. “Of course, there are people who are concerned about safety and we’re trying to move into this phase sensitively, as we have throughout the process.”