The state of Ohio has issued new orders for use of face coverings for going back to school.
All students, faculty, and staff in any childcare setting, school building, or location the provides care or education to any child in kindergarten though 12th grade must wear facial coverings at all times. This is to be done in an indoor location, outdoors when you cannot maintain a social distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household and riding the school bus.
There are a few exemptions:
• The individual has a medical condition including a respiratory condition that restricts breathing.
• Mental health conditions, or a disability that contradicts the wearing of facial coverings.
• An individual communicating with someone who is hearing impaired
• An individual actively participating in outdoor recess and/or physical activity where students are able to maintain a distance of six feet or more.
• Athletic practice, scrimmage, or competition that is permitted by a separate Department of Health Order.
• The individual is seated and actively consuming a food or beverage.
• Where students and staff can maintain distancing of at least six feet and removal of face covering is necessary for instructional purposes, including instruction in foreign language, English language for non-native speakers and other subjects wearing a facial covering would prohibit participation in normal classroom activities, such as playing an instrument.
• Students are able to maintain a distance of six feet or more and a mask break is deemed necessary by the educator supervising the educational setting.
• An individual who is alone in an enclosed space such as an office.
• When an established sincerely held religious requirement exists that does not permit a facial covering.
The order is in effect until the State of Emergency declared by the Governor no longer exists or the Director of the Ohio Department Health rescinds or modifies the order, whichever comes first.