The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that it will no longer be required to wear of masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs.

School districts around Butler County have been following the guidance of the CDC since it began giving COVID-19 mitigation guidelines. Some posted announcements to families Monday saying children no longer are required to wear masks on school buses.

Seneca Valley School District, Mars Area School District and South Butler County School District each posted announcements online. Butler Area School District and Slippery Rock Area School District updated their health and safety plans at their respective school board meetings, which took place Monday.

The school districts that posted updates regarding this information also said masks are still allowed to be worn.

“Any student or driver who is more comfortable wearing a mask is certainly encouraged to do so,” the South Butler County School District update said.

Seneca Valley’s news release echoed a similar conviction.

“We continue to support and respect all school families and employees in their masking choices,“ the Seneca Valley School District release said.