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Stephanie Wiechmann
According to the proposed reopening plan published before Tuesday night's board meeting, face masks would be optional in Muncie Community Schools buildings this fall for staff and students of all ages. And then the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance Tuesday afternoon, saying it's recommending all K-12 students, staff and teachers wear masks even if they're vaccinated. Now, Board President Jim Williams says the board is tabling the plan and will spend the next week looking at new guidance, local Covid case numbers and talking to health officials.

00;00;29;00 - 00;00;42;00
Jim Williams
We all understand that families are anxious. We certainly want to, do this in a way which is, the most beneficial for our students and their families.

00;00;42;06 - 00;00;48;06
Stephanie Wiechmann
Williams says he's talked with IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital about increased Covid cases, both locally and statewide.

00;00;48;07 - 00;01;05;04
Jim Williams
They tell me that largely what they're seeing is a pandemic advancing, largely among the unvaccinated. So it's unfortunate that, those who are eligible for the vaccine, but we still have any number of folks who are not willing to take it.

00;01;05;09 - 00;01;27;02
Stephanie Wiechmann
Less than 40 % of Delaware County is fully vaccinated. But though the tabled reopening plan for MCS is strongly encouraging vaccines, it's not requiring them for eligible students or any staff. Only volunteers who want to help in classrooms or at events must be fully vaccinated. The special meeting will be held next Tuesday, August 3rd at 5 p.m. Students return for classes beginning August 10th.

00;01;27;04 - 00;01;29;26
Stephanie Wiechmann
In Muncie, Stephanie Wiechmann, IPR news.