HARRISBURG, Pa. - Monday marks the end of the state-ordered mask mandate at schools in Mercer County and the rest of Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Friday overturned the commonwealth’s order that made masks mandatory in school buildings around the state, making the wearing of masks optional.

Local school districts notified parents through websites and social media over the weekend.

As noted in a message from the Sharon City Schools, the Supreme Court decision does not prohibit the state or local schools from instituting a mask mandate in the future should COVID-19 cases increase.

The Federal masking requirement for masks on school transportation remains in place.