Two weeks after the lifting of the mask mandate, Columbia Public Schools (CPS) has temporarily issued it back into order, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 18 until Feb. 4. The reinstitution of the mask mandate is in response to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Boone County because of the Omicron variant.

Absences have increased greatly in the past week, affecting teachers and students and causing sub shortages. The mask mandate is being put back in place in hopes to flatten the curve of the virus and stabilize the district long enough for teachers to return en masse.

After two weeks of optional masking, RBHS students share their feelings on the renewed mask mandate.

How do you feel about the temporary return of the mask mandate? Let us know in the comments below.