Baton Rouge Diocese warns of possible change in student mask policy amid spike in COVID cases 19 hours 53 minutes 33 seconds ago Wednesday, July 28 2021 Jul 28, 2021 July 28, 2021 9:17 PM July 28, 2021 in News Source: WBRZ Share: BATON ROUGE – Just two weeks after announcing masks as optional, Bishop Michael Duca sent out a letter to parents and teachers saying the diocese is reassessing these guidelines. “It is possible that if COVID cases continue to increase, we will need to change our procedures and protocols to accomplish our goals,” Duca said. In early July, the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Baton Rouge was under fire from parents after suggesting unvaccinated students in third grade and up were required to wear a mask and social distance. Two days later an additional statement was released clarifying that masks were optional for students.