Thread by @latimes

As California begins to return to fully reopened school campuses this month, the state’s mandatory mask rule will continue to be part of the new normal for all K-12 schools amid the COVID-19 surge fueled by the highly transmissible Delta variant.

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Many students say they are largely over the latest COVID rule.

But, they have adjusted to the discomfort and would much rather be in school with their friends than at home on a computer.

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Although the mandate has drawn resistance in some areas from parents who are advocating for “mask choice,” for many students it appears the transition to masks in schools has been smooth.

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The state directive has led to protests by activists at school board meetings and challenges from some school officials, who say masks have a negative emotional effect on students and create a barrier for them to connect with their peers.

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Ten-year-old Logan of Redondo Beach said he found it hard to focus with the mask on when he went back to school in the spring.

His mother said Logan may not return to school.

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Wearing face coverings for long school days can be uncomfortable, but most students seem to have adapted quickly, just as they did to other activities complicated by the pandemic, including shopping and eating out.

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Read more about how students are adjusting to masks in school from @melissagomez004 at latimes.com/california/sto…