12 OF THE 20 BIGGEST SCHOOL DISTRICTS NOW REQUIRE MASKS IN SCHOOLS. THE OTHERS CAN'T BECAUSE OF MASK MANDATE BANS

 More major school districts will require masks in schools following updated guidance Tuesday from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With the spread of the more contagious Delta variant, the CDC now recommends students from kindergarten through grade 12 wear masks in school. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended masks in schools for everyone over age 2.

The largest school district in Georgia, Gwinnett County Public Schools, changed its mask policy Tuesday from optional to required for students, staff, visitors and on school buses when school starts next week, regardless of vaccination status.

"This decision takes into account current conditions, the rise in COVID-19 case rates in Gwinnett County, and the ineligibility of children age 12 and younger for the vaccine," the statement from the school district said.

"The facts and recommendations are clear... masks do make a difference and we must do all we can to keep students in school, in person," said Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks.

Of the 20 biggest US school districts, 12 are requiring masks for students when the school year begins. The remaining eight are in Florida (Miami-Dade, Duval, Broward, Hillsborough, Orange and Palm Beach) and Texas (Dallas and Houston), where the governors have banned mask mandates in schools.

Clark County Public Schools in Nevada, the fifth largest district in the country, decided to require masks after the CDC's new guidance.

"Once again, the District is committed to opening schools for all students for in-person learning, while promoting the health and safety of all students and staff," a news release said. Clark County includes Las Vegas.

Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland will require masks for all students, staff and visitors in schools regardless of vaccination status, the district tweeted Tuesday.

"Face coverings are not required outdoors, but strongly are recommended for unvaccinated individuals," MCPS tweeted...

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