(KETV/Omaha; COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — Less than 24 hours after a federal judge temporarily halted the Iowa law banning mask mandates in schools, the Council Bluffs Community School District is issuing new mask guidance. KETV in Omaha reports Superintendent Vicky Murillo wrote an email to parents today (Tuesday), stating “Beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, September 15, we will expect all students, staff and visitors to wear masks at school during school hours when physical distancing is not possible. Students will not have to wear a mask when seated to eat breakfast, lunch or while participating in recess or outdoor classroom activities.”

Murillo acknowledged that this new mask policy could change pending legal action. “We do recognize that members of our school community have varying opinions on the wearing of masks. As a school district, we have the responsibility to make decisions based on state and federal law and are doing so with the implementation of this change in expectations based on yesterday’s order,” Murillo said.

Council Bluffs said it will continue to track and monitor case totals and trends in each school, notify parents of cases, and work with the Pottawattamie County Health Department to adjust practices as needed.