Milwaukee Health Department says it supports Milwaukee Public Schools' decision to reinstate mask mandate

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58)-- The Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) supports Milwaukee Public Schools' (MPS) decision to reinstate a mask mandate.

MPS announced masks would be mandatory for all students and staff in district buildings starting Wednesday, April 20. 

MPS says the decision was made after determining a "significant transmission of the virus within the city of Milwaukee."

Marketing and Communications Officer Emily Tau told CBS 58 MPS Superintendent Dr. Keith Posley requested guidance from Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson on April 14.

Johnson sent Posley the document below.

"The Milwaukee Health Department has continuously supported universal masking, especially in congregate settings, as a layer of mitigation against the spread of COVID-19. In school settings, where the goal is to keep students in the classroom where they can benefit from an in-person learning environment, masking is highly recommended by MHD," Marketing and Communications Officer Emily Tau said in an email to CBS 58 on Wednesday.

In a statement, MPS says the district has the option to revert back to a mask-optional policy if it is determined that there is not a significant risk of transmission within the city or school district.