<p>OPELIKA, Ala. — A large school system in eastern Alabama will no longer require masks to be worn by students or employees.</p>
<p>The rules were spelled out in a recent letter sent by Lee County Schools to staff and school stakeholders, <a href="https://oanow.com/news/local/education/lee-county-schools-no-longer-requiring-masks/article_d2d334ca-9f05-11eb-94b6-5b7d6b6af4e8.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1">The Opelika-Auburn News</a> reported.</p>
<p>Even though masks will not be required in school or at school events, the school system says it “strongly encourages” people to wear masks.</p>
<p>The system includes 14 schools and nearly 10,000 students.</p>
<p>Two nearby school districts — Auburn City Schools and Opelika City Schools — will end the school year with mask requirements, the newspaper reported.</p>
