In Cumberland Valley School District, it has been decided that starting on January 17th, 2022, that masks will be optional to students within the district, which will eliminate the mask mandate already present inside of our school. 

We need to keep the mask mandate in act at Cumberland Valley School District. 

First of all, as a part of the Cumberland Valley School District, it is our responsibility to keep each other and ourselves healthy. Wearing a mask not only protects you; it protects the people around you. We need to keep in mind that wearing a mask is not just a way to keep yourself safe; it's a way to keep the other people around you safe. 

Second of all, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing masks for the general public. They also recommend wearing a mask if you are in an area with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, even if you are vaccinated. The CDC is a trusted component of the Department of Health and Human Services. We as the Cumberland Valley School District need to follow these simple recommendations to minimize COVID-19 cases and keep each other safe. 

Third of all, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is a fairly new variant to us. What this means is, we do not yet know much information on this variant. It is likely that the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to the CDC. Breakthrough infections from this variant are likely to occur in even the fully vaccinated. The CDC recommends that we keep wearing masks in public indoor settings of substantial or high community transmission, no matter our vaccination status. 

In conclusion, we as a district need to keep one another safe and healthy. This does not only count for the students of Cumberland Valley School District. It matters for parents, teachers, and faculty. Please, by signing this petition you show your respect and care for one another in this community. Thank you, and please share this.