The Massapequa School District will now require all students, staff members and visitors to wear a mask when indoors at district schools and buildings, as well as on school transportation.

The move is a reversal for the district, which had previously announced that masks would be encouraged but not required for all students and staff during the 2021-2022 school year.

Superintendent of Schools Lucille Iconis says masks will not be required when outdoors and that masks may be removed during meals. Frequent mask breaks will also be built into the school day.

The move comes after the state issued a mask mandate for all schools.

"As you may be aware, in an effort to maintain local control, the Board of Education has retained outside counsel to review its options regarding this new mandate. The Board will actively explore all legal avenues that are available," says Iconis.