This week, the Wayne County Board of Education voted to make face masks optional for all WCPS students and staff.

Since Monday’s vote, Wayne County Public Schools has also clarified that the board’s decision only impacts mask wearing during the school day.

Rules for school athletics will be handled in accordance with NCHSAA guidelines.

Like airplanes and public transportation, federal CDC orders also require that masks be worn on school buses by students and the driver regardless of a local board of education’s decision to make masks optional at school.