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Public Health urges mask use inside Montgomery County schools in new guidance

MONTGOMERY COUNTY — New guidance issued by Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County is encouraging schools to have students, teachers, staff and visitors wear masks regardless of vaccination status.

“Masking is a critical component of layered prevention strategies that have been shown to be effective at reducing risk of transmission,” Public Health said in the guidance issued to local districts Tuesday. “Schools should be aware that consistent and correct mask use, in addition to the maximizing of physical distancing, are needed to allow unvaccinated students to remain in the classroom setting following a potential classroom exposure.”

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On Friday, Centerville City Schools announced they updated their mask requirements for the upcoming school year. The update requires some students and staff wear masks for the upcoming year.

According to the school’s health and safety protocols, on Back To School page of their website, “K-5 students and staff will be required to wear masks in school buildings and school vehicles.” The school credited the decision to the unavailability of vaccines for this age group. Masks will be “high recommended, but not required” for students and staff in middle and high schools.

Oakwood and Jefferson Twp. schools are two other local districts that have announced a requirement of masks for at least some students and staff for the upcoming year.

“Due to the unavailability of vaccines for students under 12 years of age, students in grades K-6 and staff working in buildings with those students will be required to wear masks,” Oakwood schools said in a statement Thursday. “Six weeks after the availability of vaccines for children under 12 years of age, mask-wearing will be highly recommended, but not required.”

Oakwood said masking will be highly recommended for those working or attending classes in grades 7 to 12, but not required. Masks will be required in all district vehicles in Oakwood.

All staff and students are required to wear masks while in all district buildings and on district school buses in Jefferson Twp., the district previously announced.

Public Health also is requiring all schools to report positive COVID-19 cases to the department using the health departments new streamlined method.

Schools in Montgomery County also are being told to notify parents in writing of a positive case to parents and guardians of students who share a classroom or participated in a school activity during the infectious period of a student, teacher, staff member or coach.

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“Fully vaccinated students and adults possibly exposed to COVID-19 do not have to quarantine, and can continue attending in-person class and participating in sports and extra-curricular activities, unless symptoms develop,” Public Health said.

Unvaccinated students and adults possibly exposed to COVID-19 in schools may continue to attend in-person, if the following conditions are met:

  • The school has documented COVID-19 prevention policies, including universal mask wearing, strategies to maximize distance between students, handwashing, identification and management of students exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, and routine environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols.
  • The exposure occurred within a classroom environment or while on required school transport (e.g., school bus)
  • The person with COVID-19 and any associated contacts were wearing face masks that covered their nose and mouth at all times.
  • Distancing between students is maximized in classroom and other settings, ideally a 6-foot distance, but 3 feet is acceptable.
  • They remain symptom-free.

VIEW COMPLETE PUBLIC HEALTH - DAYTON & MONTGOMERY COUNTY GUIDANCE




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