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VERIFY: Yes, masks are required on Iowa school buses

While Iowa students do not have to wear a mask in class or at school functions, do the same rules apply to transportation?

IOWA, USA —

Many people are asking questions about back-to-school safety measures, such as wearing masks on school buses.

While Iowa students who go to school do not have to wear a mask in class or at school functions, let's verify if the same rules apply to transportation on a school bus.

Our sources:

  • The Iowa Department of Public Health  
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

According to the latest federal guidance, traveling on public transportation, like a school bus, increases a person's risk of getting and spreading coronavirus. 

"Yes, passengers and drivers must wear a mask on school buses, including on buses operated by public and private school systems, subject to the exclusions and exemptions in CDC’s Order," the CDC says on its website.

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So masks are required.

State health officials are pointing to the CDC's February 2021 order, which still stands as we approach the 2021-22 school year.

From IDPH's latest guidance:

"Does the CDC mask order for public transportation apply to school buses? Yes. The CDC issued an Order effective February 1, 2021 imposing a requirement for persons to wear masks while on public transportation conveyances, and in its Frequently Asked Questions document accompanying the Order the CDC indicates that 'passengers and drivers must wear a mask on school buses, including on buses operated by public and private school systems, subject to the exclusions and exepmptions in the CDC's Order.'"

So we can verify: Yes, Iowa students must wear a face covering when riding on a school bus this year.

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