Despite Delta variant cases skyrocketing, Arkansas lawmakers adjourn, leaving mask mandate ban in effect

This story has been updated to reflect an Arkansas judge has now blocked the state law barring mask mandates in schools. Scroll below for more information.

“If the Legislature takes no action and allows the ban on mask mandates to remain in effect in all schools while the Delta variant rages in our communities, children will be avoidably exposed to the virus, some will be hospitalized, and likely some will die.” 

According to an Arkansas Times article, that statement was made yesterday by Dr. Joe Thompson, who served as the Arkansas Surgeon General for Gov. Mike Huckabee and Gov. Mike Beebe.

The Associated Press reports Arkansas lawmakers are leaving the state’s mask mandate ban in place, ending a special session that was called to revisit the prohibition for schools because of the state’s COVID-19 surge.

The majority-Republican Legislature on Friday adjourned the session that GOP Gov. Asa Hutchinson had called to consider rolling back the ban for some schools.

Hutchinson signed the ban in April, but said the change was needed to protect children under 12 who can’t get vaccinated as the state’s virus cases and hospitalizations skyrocket.

Hutchinson has since said he regretted signing the ban.

The Delta variant and Arkansas’ low vaccination rate are fueling the surge.

A House panel on Thursday rejected two measures to allow some school districts to issue mask requirements.

There is resistance in some school districts and cities over the Arkansas Legislature’s rejection of mask requirements.

Little Rock’s schools and an east Arkansas school district where hundreds of staff and students are quarantining because of a COVID-19 outbreak are suing the state over the mask mandate ban.

The lawsuit filed Thursday by the Little Rock and Marion school districts is the second the state faces over the law Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed in April prohibiting schools and other governmental bodies from requiring masks. The Marion district reported yesterday that around 830 were in quarantine.

The lawsuit argues that the ban violates Arkansas’ constitution.

Also this week, Little Rock’s mayor issued an order requiring masks in the city’s public spaces.

The new surge in COVID-19 has also drastically affected hospitals across the state.

According to northwest Arkansas television station KNWA, only three percent of the state’s intensive care unit beds were available as of Thursday.

BREAKING, July 6, 11:10 a.m.: Judge blocks Arkansas law barring mask mandates in schools

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — An Arkansas judge has temporarily blocked the state from enforcing a law that prevents schools and other governmental agencies from requiring masks.

Pulaski County Circuit Jude Tim Fox on Thursday issued a preliminary injunction against the law Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed in April.

Fox’s decision came shortly after Arkansas lawmakers left the ban in place, ending a session Hutchinson called to consider rolling it back for some schools.

Hutchinson says the change is needed to protect children under 12 who can’t get vaccinated as the state’s virus cases and hospitalizations continue to surge.

If you have yet to be immunized against COVID-19, White River Now urges you to talk to your trusted local physician or pharmacist about the COVID-19 vaccine.

For COVID-19 information from the Arkansas Department of Health, click here.

For information from local physicians about COVID-19 vaccines, click here.

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