DeWine: ‘Schools need to require masks,’ Governor says as schools in state go remote to start 2022

Gov. Mike DeWine said he doesn’t have any intention of issuing another mask mandate in Ohio, but he issued a stern warning to schools as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations set new pandemic records in the state.

“Schools need to require masks,” DeWine said. “At least for a few weeks while we are at this great, great surge.”

DeWine’s plea comes as Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Wittenberg University announced plans to begin 2022 using remote learning models.

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“Based upon the currently available health data and the guidance I’ve received, CMSD will be implementing our remote learning plan for all district schools for the week of January 3,” said Eric Gordon, Superintendent of Cleveland Metropolitan School District. “Students should follow their normal school day schedule and logon to their classes remotely as directed by their teachers throughout the week.”

The Cleveland region reported another record of active hospitalizations Wednesday, with nearly 500 more active hospitalizations that were seen during the previous peak of the pandemic in December 2020.

DeWine said he understands that people don’t want to require masks in schools, but said its the best way to keep students, teachers and other staff in the school.

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