Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases because of the Omicron variant, masks are again required for visitors, vendors, and employees in Palm Beach County Schools starting January 5, 2022. 

The Omicron variant was first discovered in Botswana, which is a country in South Africa. In the beginning, it was noted that the Omicron variant was less mild than the Delta variant, but has since then changed. 

The first case of the Omicron variant in the U.S. was detected in California, when a traveler was returning from a trip in South Africa on November 22, 2021. 

Covid has been reported to be worse than it has ever been since the start of it back in 2020. 

In Florida, Covid cases have risen by 948% in Florida due to the Omicron variant. 

Thousands of students and teachers have not returned to school due to their worries about getting the virus because of the variant that has been ravaging Florida, and the US as a whole.

One student says “I believe the virus is never going to go away. People, in the beginning, were saying that the virus was fake, but look now. Two variants of the virus came around, and one of them is killing people left and right.” 

“People need to get vaccinated and wear their masks. This virus is no joke. So many people have died, and I hope that now people know there is a serious variant out and about, they can really take this seriously and wear masks and get vaccinated.” says one student. 

As for students, they do not need to wear masks, because it is up to the parents to decide whether or not their child should wear masks. However, students are highly encouraged to wear masks to prevent them from potentially getting the virus.