WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Superintendents from six St. Joseph County-based school districts have signed a letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer regarding the mandate that athletes use masks while engaged in competition.
The superintendents – from Sturgis, Three Rivers, White Pigeon, Centreville, Mendon and Constantine – said Whitmer took a positive step forward last week by loosening mask requirements for student athletes who play tennis, cross country and golf.
The superintendents, however, said they believe the mask requirements during play should be revoked for all student-athletes.
The group stated Executive Order 176 requires them to enforce mandates that are not safe and contradicts the Center for Disease Controls guidance, which states, “people should not wear masks while engaged in activities that may cause the mask to become wet, as a wet mask may make it difficult to breathe.”
Consequently, the superintendents are asking Whitmer to allow for students to actively compete in their sport without a mask.
The message was delivered to Whitmer’s office Friday.
We are already screening and distancing; let the kids play ball if they pass their health screening.
Anyone who thinks exercising vigorously and wearing a mask go together does not have well being in mind.