Northern Lehigh School District plans to follow the face covering order until further notice.

Superintendent Matthew J. Link announced at last week’s school board meeting that it was anticipated that on Jan. 17, K-12 masking requirements will return to local control.

Tuesday night a Pennsylvania judge ruled the mandate should stop Dec. 4.

Link said he is expecting more direction from the state. “We look forward to reviewing that guidance when it’s released over the next couple of weeks.”

Pennsylvania Department of Education officials told district leaders that due to the appeal on the mandate, schools should continue to observe the school masking order throughout the duration of the court’s proceedings.