State Supreme Court says school mask mandate to continue

HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Tuesday issued an order continuing the state’s school mask mandate until at least Dec. 8.

The mandate had been scheduled to expire on Saturday, Dec. 4, based on a Commonwealth Court directive. But the administration of Gov. Tom Wolf appealed that decision and the state Supreme Court granted the request. The court ruling said the mandate will remain in effect pending that court’s consideration of the appeal. Oral arguments are scheduled for Dec. 8.

Wolf announced earlier this month the statewide mask mandate order would expire Jan. 17, at which time districts could make their own decision on masking. Since his announcement, cases across the state have trended up in recent weeks.