GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- The Genesee County Health Department last Friday issued an update to its school masking order that clarifies requirements for students seeking medical exemptions to the order.
The health department now requires students to have a medical reason in writing from a doctor currently licensed to practice medicine in the state and one that has an ongoing doctor-patient relationship with the student.
The doctor must also be “practicing within the standard of care for their expertise.” A signature from a parent is not sufficient, according to the new order from the health department.
The order also provided more language for students with developmental conditions that mask-wearing would inhibit the person’s access to education. Students who have an individualized education plan or section 504 plan that specifies the benefit of facial cues or behavior issues that are incompatible with mask use are exempt from the order.
“We changed the order to include clarifications about mask exemptions for nuerodivergent students,” said Kayleigh Blaney, deputy health officer. The department received feedback from superintendents that expressed concern for students who qualified for the nuerodivergent exemption, but could not acquire a doctor’s note, Blaney said.
Stuart Sherry, a member of the County Board of Health, said the new order appears to be more accommodating for those who want an exemption from the mask mandate.
“It seems to be a little more flexible,” Sherry said. The board of health is not consulted about changes to the orders, Sherry said.
The original pre-K through 12 masking order was implemented last week. Masks are still required in indoor settings for all students age 5 and up, unless one of the seven exemptions are met.
Genesee County parents and students protested the mask mandate last week on Saginaw Street in downtown Flint. Protesters gathered in front of the Genesee County Administration Building and Flint City Hall then marched to the health department.
A full breakdown of the school masking order can be viewed on the Genesee County Health Department website.
Read more on MLive:
Genesee County school mask mandate expands to all grades after Labor Day
Parents, students protest school mask mandate in Genesee County
Genesee County health chief defends mask mandate, 6 commissioners don’t show for special meeting
Genesee County superintendents, parents not surprised by mask mandate for all grades
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