Gov. John Bel Edwards announced he is lifting the statewide mask mandate in a news conference Tuesday.According to Edwards, the updated order allows school districts to opt out of the mask mandate as long as they continue to follow the existing quarantine guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to better separate exposed students and faculty members from others and avoid outbreaks on campus.Below is a list of school districts that have announced whether or not they will require masks in schools: Archdiocese: All of the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans have followed and will continue to follow the CDC guidelines regarding quarantines. There are no changes there, nor are there any changes to COVID mitigation measures in place in our schools, such as encouraging personal hygiene, social distancing when possible, and monitoring health of the school community. Therefore, masks are no longer required in Catholic schools outside of Orleans Parish. Parents and families who chose to send their children to school with masks are welcome to do so. Terrebonne Parish School District "The Governor has lifted the mask mandate for all K-12 schools that are following CDC guidelines. As such, Terrebonne Parish Schools will follow CDC guidelines and masks will be optional in all Terrebonne Parish Schools beginning Wednesday, October 27, 2021. -Superintendent Philip Martin."Lafourche Parish School District: "Governor Edwards has lifted the state mask mandate for Louisiana and all K-12 schools that follow CDC Quarantine guidelines. Lafourche Parish Schools will continue to follow those guidelines. Masks will no longer be required in our schools, effective Wednesday, October 27, 2021. However, students and employees wishing to continue wearing masks may do so. Masks will still be required on school buses."Tangipahoa Parish School System "We are so pleased that the Governor has acknowledged today the good work our schools have done to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Starting tomorrow, masks will be optional in Tangipahoa Parish Public Schools."St. Charles Parish"We are aware of the Governor's announcement today (October 26, 2021) lifting the statewide mask mandate with a clause for K-12 schools. We have and will continue to follow CDC Quarantine Guidance. Therefore, effective Wednesday, October 27, 2021, masks are NOT required for students and employees but are recommended for unvaccinated individuals."New Orleans Public Schools: New Orleans Public Schools (NOLA-PS) has released a statement in support of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ decision to continue to recommend masks in schools and announced it will keep in place its mask requirements inside school buildings, on school buses, and during school-related events.St. Bernard Parish: "Families, I hope this update finds you well. I’m happy to share that our parish and our state are moving in the right direction. Our COVID numbers are declining, and our schools are thriving."Earlier today, the Governor lifted the statewide mask mandate for all indoor spaces except K-12 schools. He is allowing school systems to opt out of the mask mandate as long as they follow the CDC quarantine guidelines. Effective Wednesday, October 27, 2021, facial coverings will be optional for students and staff in St. Bernard Parish Public Schools. "Facial coverings are strongly encouraged and strongly recommended, but will not be mandated. Masks will still be required on school buses per Presidential Executive Order No. 13998. "Our Return to School Guidance has been updated to reflect these changes. The health and well-being of our students and staff remain our number one priority. At this time, the vast majority of our staff have been vaccinated, and students 12 years and older are now eligible to receive the vaccine. "We encourage you to speak with your doctor and healthcare providers if you have any questions or concerns regarding the vaccine. We will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with local health officials, the Louisiana Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make any necessary adjustments to our guidance as the situation evolves. "If we experience an increase in COVID cases within our schools, we will consider reinstating the mask mandate. And speaking of necessary adjustments, due to school closures from the impacts of Hurricane Ida, as a reminder, Monday, November 1 and Tuesday, November 2 are now instructional days for students and staff."I know the first nine weeks of this school year have been challenging, but with the storm season behind us and COVID numbers waning, we are hopeful that the remainder of this school year will continue with the sense of normalcy that we have all been looking forward to for so long."Thank you for your continued support of our school family."St. Tammany Parish: The St. Tammany School Board has unanimously voted to pass a resolution to drop the indoor mask mandate on its school campuses.To comply with Gov. John Bel Edward's executive order, the school system will have to follow CDC guidelines on quarantines to slow the spread of COVID-19.Jefferson Parish: "Yesterday afternoon, Governor Edwards lifted Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate in all settings except K-12 schools. The Governor is allowing school systems to opt out of the face mask mandate as long as they continue to implement existing quarantine guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We are reviewing the guidance released by the Governor today with our healthcare partners, and will share additional information about our plans later this week. "Our priority is to provide the best learning environment possible for students while keeping everyone safe. Just like we’ve done since the start of the pandemic, we will continue to work with medical experts to ensure our mitigation measures prioritize the safety of students and employees and are appropriate for the current health situation."St. John the Baptist Parish: "St. John the Baptist Parish Schools will continue to require masks and follow quarantine guidelines. " The administration team will continue to communicate with our medical partners Oschner and their representatives. "We will continue to track and report COVID cases in our district."Since we have just reopened schools after the hurricane it is best to monitor our COVID data and then determine if it is wise to issue staff and parents a mask survey within the next two weeks."The survey will gather input on whether masks should be required or optional in our district offices and schools." Plaquemines Parish: "Dear Plaquemines Parish School Board Families,"As Superintendent of Plaquemines Parish School Board schools, I am happy to let you know that the state and parish COVID infection rates are trending in the right direction allowing us to revise our mitigation practices."Yesterday, the Governor lifted the statewide mask mandate for all indoor spaces except for K-12 schools. He has allowed school systems to decide whether or not to opt out of the mask mandate as long as they follow CDC quarantine guidelines."Effective Thursday, October 28, 2021, masks and other facial coverings will be optional, but highly recommended and encouraged, for all PPSB employees and students. It is necessary to keep in mind that all guidelines and regulations are subject to change as guidance from local and state health authorities is updated."Masks will still be required on school buses per Presidential Executive Order No. 13998. The health and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority."Respectfully, Denis Rousselle, Superintendent."Washington Parish:"This afternoon, Governor Edwards gave public schools the option of mandating masks in school buildings. Since all WPSS schools are following CDC & LDH quarantine & isolation guidance, we are eligible to opt out of the mask mandate. Therefore, WPSS will no longer require wearing masks in school buildings. Anyone who wishes to continue wearing face coverings in school buildings is encouraged to do so. Masks will still be required on buses. This will go into effect on October 27, 2021."