How 'Mask To Stay' Works In Strongsville Schools

STRONGSVILLE, OH — Strongsville Schools explained their new "Mask to Stay" option for students this week.

The policy was first introduced by the Ohio Department of Health as a new way to keep students in class. Explaining how the policy will be implemented in Strongsville, Superintendent Cameron Ryba said students with mask exemptions will not qualify for the policy.

The proposed changes allow students who were directly exposed to the virus in school to remain in class as long as they wear a mask for at least two weeks, self-monitor for symptoms, isolate and get tested if they experience symptoms.

"Therefore, all students that elect to utilize the Mask to Stay option must wear a mask for the specified time period regardless of whether a mask exemption is on file," Ryba told families.

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"While vaccination and masking remain critical components of ensuring a safe school environment, to support in-school learning, we offer an in-school alternative to out-of-school quarantining for students and school staff exposed to COVID-19 in school settings and during school-related activities," said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health. "Those exposed outside of school-related activities, such as in the household, should continue to follow standard quarantine guidelines."

Health officials continue to recommend schools follow social distancing practices, keeping students at least 6 feet apart if they're not masked, or 3 feet apart if masked.