A federal appeals court this week has ruled that Iowa’s mask mandate is no longer a vital necessity, meaning school districts across the state can still encourage mask use among students and staff, but is is no longer a mandatory requirement on school grounds.

The case will now be referred to the district court for further action on the scope of the injunction and the state’s legislative authority on masks in schools.

Marshalltown School District Superintendent Theron Schutte says the court ruling comes at an inopportune time considering the recent surge in cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19 within the school district and across the state.

Schutte still recommends that students and staff within the Marshalltown School District continue to wear masks regardless of vaccination status in keeping up with the advice of the Centers For Disease Control and local health experts.

Schutte further added that the Marshalltown School District will continue to monitor its COVID-19 data and make adjustments to the district’s health and safety protocols as needed.