Michigan says school COVID transmission is becoming ‘similar’ regardless of mask rules

The state of Michigan this week released data showing that COVID case rates in schools there have become largely similar regardless of whether or not a school imposes mask rules on students.

A data sheet released by the state showed in part that “school-aged case rates have become more similar across mask rules as community transmission has increased.”

The sheet claims, without citing evidence, that “differences due to masking [are] potentially being washed out by transmission in other settings.” It argues that it “remains important to mask up in indoor settings (schools and otherwise) to prevent transmission.”

The state listed mask-wearing as among the “core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention.”