Students split on mask vs. maskless

Among the student body, whispers can be heard, of people with masks judging those who don’t have them on. The majority of Morton East students can be seen wearing mask, now we wonder if the majority also agrees with the school mask mandate.

On February 28, 2022, Governor Pritzker signed an Executive Order lifting the mask requirement in most indoor settings. In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, the executive order also lifts the mask requirement in K-12 schools and daycares. Chicago also ended its proof of vaccination requirement. Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike explained that schools need more time to see less community spread, vaccine eligibility for younger kids, and more parents getting their kids vaccinated. It’s advised for people with certain health conditions, as well as those who are not vaccinated, to continue wearing masks, particularly an N95 or KN95.

In a small survey of 10 students, 5 of them said they agree with the mask lift mandate in school. 

I am neutral cause people already don’t have masks on in the lunchroom, including teachers, so really the spread of covid will be practically the same,” senior Enoc De Jesus said.

Another is neutral too.

“I wear my mask off and on because sometimes I just need to breathe,” senior Angel Soto said.

Though some were neutral, most students did not agree with the mask lift mandate.

“I don’t agree with the mask lift mandate because Covid is still around us and we should take precautions, especially in our packed hallways. However, I do agree with Enoc in how we still end up taking them off in the cafeteria and could possibly end up spreading covid,” senior Karla Gomez said.

Another student goes adds-on.

“I don’t agree with the mask life mandate because people aren’t required to wear masks anymore & they’re also not required to be vaccinated. They should have one or the other,” senior Itzel Barraza said.

Most students wear masks as a health precaution, others wear it for different reasons.

“I prefer wearing my mask because I make too many facial expressions. With the mask, nobody ever knows what [face] I’m doing,” senior Baudelio Martinez said.