CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon says he will not issue another mask mandate for public schools and will instead leave it to local school boards to protect students' health.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports the decision announced Wednesday was made without coronavirus transmission data from August and came the same day the state’s health officer issued a statement urging caution around coronavirus transmission.

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Gordon’s announcement came as COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state mirror figures from early January and as vaccine rates have plateaued. Vaccines have not been approved for children ages 11 and under.

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