OHIO – Columbus Schools announced that they will require masks in schools for all students, staff and visitors in the new school year after guidance.
The Schools said based on The American Academy of Pediatrics guidance released last week Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in consultation with Columbus Public Health they will implement several safeguards.
The AAP, says it is important for children to have in-school learning, but with a previous record of low spread rates with social distancing and masks in school in 2020, they recommend a continuation of those rules for 2021, including teachers.
“Remote-learning highlighted inequities in education, was detrimental to the educational attainment of students of all ages and exacerbated the mental health crisis among children and adolescents. The benefits of an in-person school outweigh the risks in almost all circumstances.”
“As we start the 2021-’22 school year, a large portion of students are not eligible to be vaccinated and there are COVID variants that are more contagious. Because of this and because we want to have all students in school, the AAP advocates for all students, teachers, and staff to wear masks while indoors in school,” AAP said.
The district will adhere to the following guidelines:
- Masks required for all students on the bus and in school buildings with or without vaccination
- Masks required for all staff in school buildings and administrative sites with or without vaccination
- The 3-feet social distancing between students where practical
- Water fountains will be shut off and not function
- School visitors will be restricted to parents/guardians and the District’s student support partners, and visitors will be required to wear masks
