Third Oklahoma City school district institutes mask mandate despite new law

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) - First Santa Fe South Charter Schools, then OKCPS, and now Harding Fine Arts Academy: all three have now instituted mask mandates.

Harding became the third district in less than a week to issue the new rule.

• RELATED: Even without mask mandate, some Oklahoma teachers will require them in the classroom

Starting Wednesday, August 18th, masks will be required for all students and staff while on school grounds.

Masks will also be required at school-related activities when in close contact, regardless of vaccination status.

Visitors will be required to wear them as well.

"The two most important actions we can take to protect ourselves and others from falling prey to this potentially deadly virus are universal mask-wearing and vaccination," Superintendent Barry Schmelzenbach wrote in a letter posted on the school district's website.

Parents can fill out a mask exemption request form online or in the main office.

You can read more about the new rules here.