After nearly two months in effect, the mask requirement within Duval County Public Schools was automatically suspended Friday when the COVID-19 community transmission data met the second of two key thresholds set by the school board.

After nearly two months in effect, the mask requirement within Duval County Public Schools was automatically suspended Friday when the COVID-19 community transmission data met the second of two key thresholds set by the school board.

The Florida Department of Education upheld its threat to pull a chunk of state funding from Duval County Public Schools over the board’s decision to impose a mask mandate.

After months of uncertainty about whether Duval County Public Schools employees would be allowed paid time off for COVID-19 emergencies, the board voted unanimously Tuesday morning to approve a deal that would retroactively provide it to teachers and staff members as of the beginning of the school year.

A one-page information graphic outlining the Florida Department of Education’s recommendations on how school districts should combat COVID-19 was sent out to superintendents earlier this month, but it fails to include what medical experts conclude are the most effective mitigation strategies.

After sending a letter to students on Monday saying that any student studying in-person must provide proof that they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19, Edward Waters University reversed its position on Friday.