![](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210722113441-david-howard-middle-school-atlanta-file-210309-super-tease.jpg)
The announcement comes despite Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s rolling back such measures in an executive order.
The universal mask wearing protocol will start as the new school year begins on August 5, according to the announcement.
Factors that the district considered include the rise of the Delta variant and that children younger than 12 are not yet eligible for Covid-19 vaccines.
Only about 18% of eligible students in the district are fully vaccinated, officials said, citing Fulton County Board of Health data, and “approximately 58% of district employees have indicated that they are fully vaccinated or plan to be,” the district said.
Masks will not be required during recess or other outdoor activities.
In Georgia, Gov. Kemp signed an executive order effective May 31 that prevents schools from using the state’s public health emergency order as a basis for mask mandates, but does not prohibit them from requiring masks.
DeKalb County and Clayton County school districts, both in the Atlanta area, have announced that they will require masks when the school year begins in early August.