“I would say the message today, which I hope is clear, is today, a change isn’t being made. But in two weeks… we anticipate making the change at that point.”
Following images of thousands of attendees at the Super Bowl not wearing masks, including big name celebrities and even LA's Mayor Eric Garcetti, California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said that students will still be required to wear masks. He then assured viewers that change is coming.
"They see images of the Super Bowl yesterday, 70,000 people, almost nobody wearing masks. They know that adults are going to be able to take off their masks, they know that kids, by and large part, do not have as bad of health outcomes as older adults. What do you say to outraged parents who say it is time to unmask our kids, especially if adults can take off their mask?" asked Fox 11 anchor Elex Michaelson.
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View on Rumble"Why can't kids? Especially if we believe in the vaccines, which kids can now take, if we believe in the air filtration systems, and we believe in the mitigation efforts?" Michaelson continued.
Ghaly responded by saying that a change is imminent for these requirements for school kids, but not until the end of the month.
"I would say the message today, which I hope is clear, is today, a change isn't being made. But in two weeks, confirming that the data continues to be where it is, taking the time to prepare and work with the school community and communities at large, that we anticipate making the change at that point," said Ghaly.
"And that change is going to be one that I think will be met with a lot of excitement in some, and a lot of fear in other circles," he added.
Earlier this month, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to lift the indoor mask mandate for those that are vaccinated on February 15. The move came just days after Newsom was photographed maskless at SoFi Stadium, along with other local leaders and NBA legend Magic Johnson. It did not include the lifting of mandates for children, who are forced to mask in school
One of these leaders was Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who said he held his breath for a photo with Johnson. Garcetti was also seen maskless at the Super Bowl, despite rules stating that fans in attendance would be required to wear masks.
Celebrities in attendance were seen in without masks above the crowds in their box seating, including LeBron James, Ellen DeGeneres, and Charlize Theron.
Above the stadium at one point was sky writing that said "unmask our kids."
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