Mask Decision Forthcoming For Solon Schools

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

District officials are waiting on guidance from both the Ohio Department of Health and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health before clarifying Solon's policies on masks for students and staff for the 2021-2022 school year, said Tamara Strom, a district spokesperson.

"We want to put it all of those pieces together before we make an announcement," she said.

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. Solon Schools could make an official mask policy announcement before the end of this work week.

Solon Schools will begin classes for most students on Aug. 18. All students will be back in class by Aug. 23.

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.