A press conference inspired by the efforts of Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, Luke Rankin, R-Horry, Ronnie Sabb, D-Williamsburg and Sandy Senn, R-Charleston along with the entire Senate Democrat Party establishment was held today.
Forty three House Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford are asking their peers in the House chamber to call for an emergency session, as per a Monday press release.
“Local governments and school districts need to do what is necessary to protect public health in their communities,” Rutherford said. “The situation has changed for the worse since the General Assembly passed Proviso 1.108 in June and we need to act immediately to repeal it.”
At the conference, held today, scientists agreed that the risk for infection for school age children was low, however, they insisted face masks should be required.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (in an interview with Fox News) said kids “can’t learn” while wearing face masks in school, adding there is some “exaggeration” coming from health officials about the seriousness of the pandemic.
The special session to repeal Proviso 1.108 is expected to happen later this Fall.
Repealing the Proviso would take away a parent’s right to choose whether his or her child should wear a mask or not wear one during school hours.