Mask Decision Forthcoming For Lakewood Schools

LAKEWOOD, OH — The Lakewood Schools have not yet made a decision on their mask policy for the coming school year, a district spokesperson confirmed.

District officials will be finalizing policies for the coming school year this week, said Christine Gordillo, a district spokesperson.

On Monday, the Ohio Department of Health held a news conference recommending unvaccinated students, staff and teachers don face masks for the coming school year. Concern is particularly high for vulnerable populations as the delta variant is spreading rapidly in Ohio, according to Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, the department's chief medical officer.

However, the official recommendation documents will not be issued until Tuesday, Vanderhoff said.

Lakewood Schools will begin classes for most students on Aug. 19. All students, including kindergartners, will be back in class by Aug. 24.

Read more: Unvaccinated Students Should Wear Masks In Ohio: ODH

Ohio legislators and Gov. Mike DeWine barred schools from requiring students or staff from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, until the vaccines receive full approval from the Food and Drug Administration. All three COVID-19 vaccines — from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson — were granted emergency approval, but not full approval.