Amid the swirl of controversy over mask policies and an overall concern of rising COVID-19 numbers, Chester County has decided not to mandate indoor mask-wearing … at least for the present, writes Jen Samuel for the Daily Local News.

“The CDC has provided masking guidance, and the county will not issue any mandate,” said Rebecca Brain, public information officer for the Chester County Commissioners’ Office. “The decisions to wear a mask and be vaccinated are personal ones. Our ‘ask’ is to respect the choices of fellow Chester County residents, whether or not they reflect your own.”

Chester County is also not considering implementing vaccine mandates for government employees or requirements to show proof of vaccine.

Brain said that, regarding schools, the state health and education departments have provided guidance. Their advisement can help local leaders decide on COVID-19 mitigation measures for the coming academic year.

“As we have said from the beginning of this pandemic, it is ultimately the decision of local school boards to set policy for their schools,” she said.

Local parents are also divided on the issue of masks, with passionate advocates on both sides.

“It’s really shocking that this is still going on,” said Kris Smith of Kennett Square. Smith said she supports the return of a mask mandate indoors in Chester County.

“We should be wearing masks. I support it,” Smith said.

Conversely, West Pikeland resident Shannon Grady, a scientist and mother of two, said her stance on masking isn’t political but is based on biology.

“All humans have the natural right to breathe in unobstructed air,” she said.

Read more about a mask mandate in the Daily Local News.