On Sept. 7, the Pembroke School Board voted to mandate masks in Pembroke schools. 

The three school board members in attendance—Andy Camidge, Gene Gauss and Amy Manzelli—-voted unanimously in favor of the mandate. The two school board members who opposed the mandate were not at the meeting. 

The mandate is largely based on the Center for Disease Control’s recommendation for mask-wearing for all students ages two and older.

At the time of the vote, PA had 18 active cases of COVID-19 at the school. Both parents and students have voiced opinions on the mandate. 

Sophomore Adison Mayeu said that she agrees with the CDC’s recommendation and would choose to wear a mask even if they were not mandatory. 

“There are too many people in the school to remain safe without masks,” she said.

A PA student who wishes to remain anonymous said that masks are “annoying and pointless” and “more of a political matter.” 

“I have had COVID and it was not that bad, and I don’t think I should have to wear a mask,” the student said.

As of Sept. 28, PA has 18 of the Town of Pembroke’s 27 active cases of COVID-19, according to data on the school’s website.