Masks key component for bus safety, say authorities

State authorities (DHEC and the Department of Education) call the wearing of masks a key component to keep safe all aboard the state’s fleet of school buses.  Here’s what the state health authority is saying:  “While not a substitute for vaccination, wearing a mask on school buses and at school remains the best scientific guidance for preventing the spread of COVID-19.  School buses are a close-contact environment by nature, which is why the SCDE in August announced it would require the use of face coverings by students and staff on state-owned and operated school buses in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s order of January 29, 2021, that required the use of face coverings on all methods of public transportation, including school buses.”  A U-S Senate resolution proclaims September “National School Bus Safety Month”.