Updated 4 hours ago California softened its coronavirus guidelines for the 2021-22 school year for public schools after it originally stated students who refused to wear masks would be barred from campuses. Although face masks will still be required indoors, social distancing will no longer be mandated, the state announced on Monday. “Masks best promote both safety and in-person learning by reducing the need for physical distancing,” the California Department of Public Health said in its updated guidelines. Download our mobile app for iOS or Android to get the latest breaking news and local stories. There were concerns that social distancing would make it difficult for schools to accommodate all students in the classroom, so the state instead imposed its mask rule for the upcoming school year. Teachers, staff or students who are exempted from wearing a mask due to a medical condition will still be required to wear an alternative form of protection, such as a face shield.