Could Gov. Tom Wolf be any more wishy-washy? We don’t think so.

Over the summer, Wolf said local school boards would have the final say on school mask policies in their school districts. Then, in early September, Wolf reversed course and the state imposed a mask mandate on schools, early learning programs and child care facilities. Now, this week, Wolf has changed his mind again, saying he will let local school districts make their own decision in January when the current executive order ends.

“Now, we are in a different place than we were in September, and it is time to prepare for a transition back to a more normal setting,” Wolf said in a statement released by his office. “Unfortunately, the COVID-19 virus is now a part of our daily lives, but with the knowledge we’ve gained over the past 20 months and critical tools like the vaccine at our disposal, we must take the next step forward in our recovery.”

Actually, Mr. Governor, not much has changed. We knew all summer and in September that there would be ebbs and flows in COVID-19 cases. There will still be ebbs and flows in COVID-19 cases after Jan. 17. A mask mandate wasn’t necessary in September. It’s not needed now. Those who feel more comfortable wearing a mask can do so. They’ve always been able to do so.

Let’s not let the governor’s willy nilly nature change what should be a clear direction for the state. We knew all summer and in September that there would be ebbs and flows in COVID-19 cases. There will still be ebbs and flows in COVID-19 cases after Jan. 17. Those who feel more comfortable going about their business with a mask can do so. Those who want their children to wear a mask at school have always been able to have their children wear a mask. Some people will remain more comfortable wearing a mask until more is known about the effectiveness of vaccines and COVID-19 treatments.

Pennsylvanians need to simply be grown-ups about masks — both those who prefer them and those who do not. It’s a simple, straightforward policy. Pennsylvania needs a clear direction as it re-emerged from the pandemic. Wolf has chosen a different approach by setting a direction that looks an awful lot like a chicken running around with its head cut off — and it needs to stop.