Holtville's no-mask vote draws crowds of concerned parents

Imperial County Public Health Officer Dr. Stephen Munday reminded the community in a joint press conference with Pioneers Memorial Hospital and El Centro Regional Medical Center that Imperial County schools do not have the authority to opt-out of the mask mandate.

The Imperial County Health Officer issued a universal indoor masking order, requiring the use of face coverings regardless of vaccine status. The goal of the order is to protect the community and local healthcare system from a major resurgence of COVID-19 cases and to allow businesses and services in Imperial County to remain open, according to the ICPHD statement.