Students in Ohio prohibited from using face shields as substitute for masks

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Health, following federal guidance, is prohibiting students from using face shields as a substitute for face coverings and masks.

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Using face shields in a school setting does not meet the requirements of the state’s K-12 masking order, according to a release from the Office of Public Affairs and Communications Ohio Department of Heath Press Secretary Melanie Amato.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said there is not enough evidence to show the effectiveness of face shields, according to the release.

“At this time, it is not known what level of protection a face shield provides to people nearby from the spray of respiratory droplets from the wearer,” Amato said. “There is currently not enough evidence to support the effectiveness of face shields for source control. Therefore, CDC does not currently recommend use of face shields as a substitute for masks.”

Ohio’s K-12 mask order states, “All students, faculty and staff in any child care setting, school building or location that provides care or education to any child in kindergarten through grade twelve in the State of Ohio shall wear facial coverings at all times.”

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Some exemptions to this order are students with medical conditions, when eating or drinking and when playing at recess.

A face shield may be used as an option if a student meets an exception.

If a face shield must be used, it should start at the forehead with no gap, wrap around the sides of the face and extend below the chin.

Face masks and coverings are intended to reduce the spray of respiratory droplets from the person wearing the mask or covering, according to the CDC.

They should cover their nose, mouth and chin with little to no gap.

Cox Media Group