Atlanta College Ends COVID Mask Mandate Despite Backlash

Atlanta College Ends Mask Mandate After Backlash

The Atlanta college that reinstated its mask‍ mandate in August‌ has now‌ confirmed‌ that it has ended the rule⁣ after two weeks.

Morris Brown College, ⁢a historically black college, made the decision to reimpose mask mandates due to⁢ a rise in COVID-19 cases ⁤on its ​larger campus. The rule was⁤ initially set to​ end on Sunday, Sept. 3.

In a statement‍ to ⁤ Newsweek, ⁣college ⁤president Kevin James confirmed the end of the mandate. ‌However, the school will ⁢still⁤ maintain several safety protocols.

According to an official ⁤letter, parties and large events will ​remain banned from the ‌campus. Employees and⁣ students will undergo temperature ​checks ​and ⁣maintain physical distancing. Those ⁣who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate for five days.

The college’s decision to reinstate the mask mandate sparked controversy, with critics including former⁤ President Donald Trump expressing their‌ opposition. ⁢Meanwhile, some doctors and health officials suggested that⁤ Americans should resume mask usage due to an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Despite differing opinions, ‌a spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated ⁢that COVID-19 hospitalizations remain low⁢ in ‌97 percent of the country ​and⁢ there​ are currently no discussions about returning⁣ to mask wearing.

Former Trump Official Opposes Mask Mandates

Dr. Deborah Birx, a former Trump⁤ official who ‍led the COVID-19 pandemic ⁣response in 2020, recently stated ‌in an interview that mask mandates do not need to be reinstated.

“We ​don’t need to mandate,” Dr. Birx told Newsmax, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals with information to make their own decisions based⁤ on their unique circumstances.

She added, “And by ⁢the⁤ way, outside”