OHIO, USA — As the state of Ohio continues to see a surge in positive coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, some local school districts are taking action.
3News has confirmed several local districts will implement mask mandates, while others will begin classes remotely in the new year.
The decisions come amid a COVID-19 surge in Northeast Ohio and throughout the state.
On Wednesday during a press briefing, Governor Mike DeWine encouraged school districts to adopt their own mask mandates.
"With what is going on today, if people want their kids to stay in school and schools not have to close down -- not because of what the state says or medical people say -- but they want their kids to be able to stay in school, so the teachers will be able to teach, kids will not be out a lot, bus drivers will not be out a lot, the best way to do that is to wear a mask," DeWine explained.
This list will be updated if and when more announcements are made.
Avon Lake
According to a letter sent to parents, the district will require masks for all staff and students at least through Jan. 28. Anyone attending a school event, such as a performance or competition will also have to wear a mask.
Brooklyn City Schools
In a statement posted to the school district’s website, all students and staff will be required to wear a mask while indoors beginning Jan. 4.
Click here for more information.
Cleveland Schools
In a statement by CMSD CEO Eric Gordon, all Cleveland Schools will be in remote learning the first week of January. This status will be reevaluated during that week.
Garfield Heights City Schools
Students and staff in the Garfield Heights district will be required to wear masks when they return to in-person learning on Jan. 4. The district says masks will have to be worn at least until April 1.
Click here for more information.
Lorain City School District
On Dec. 30, Lorain City School District officials announced that the return to school date would be delayed by one week due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students will now return on Jan. 10, 2022.
For more information, click here.
Maple Heights City Schools
The Maple Heights school district will be in remote learning from Jan. 5 - 7, 2022.
Click here for more information.
Mayfield Heights Schools
According to the school district teachers and staff are required to wear masks at least through Jan. 17, 2022.
Click here for more information.
North Ridgeville
In a statement sent to parents, the district announced students and staff will have to wear masks through Jan. 28, 2022, while in all district buildings and all school-provided transportation.
North Royalton
The district has issued a mask mandate for all students throughout the next two weeks "as we wait for this current spike in cases to come down." School officials said they will provide an update on the situation on Jan. 14.
Parma City School District
Beginning Monday, Jan. 3, and until further notice, all students and staff will be required to wear masks, according to officials.
Revere Local Schools
Masks will be required for all students, faculty and staff from Jan. 3-7.
"Violations of this mask mandate by a student will result in being removed from District property," school officials said. "Violations of this mask mandate by staff members may result in disciplinary consequences, in accordance with any applicable collective bargaining agreement."
CLICK HERE to see the exceptions to Revere's mask mandate.
Springfield Local Schools
"In order to maintain in-person instruction after the anticipated holiday surge of COVID, Springfield Local Schools will temporarily require masks to be worn by students, staff and visitors inside all district buildings and school buses," the district posted on Facebook back on Dec. 27.
The masking requirement begins Tuesday, Jan. 4.
"The decision to temporarily mask gives us the highest chances of remaining open to provide our kids the in-person educational experience they deserve."
South Euclid
The South Euclid-Lyndhurst schools will be in remote learning from Jan. 10 -17, 2022.
Click here for more information.
Twinsburg
The district announced a pivot to remote teaching and learning from Jan. 3-14. The week of Jan. 17 is already scheduled as a non-student week with staff members engaged in professional development. As a result, the district expects students will return to in-person learning starting Monday, Jan. 24.
Following last year's plan, the majority of students will learn from home with the exception of students in the following classrooms who will report to school as usual given their particular challenges with learning virtually:
- Mrs. Todd
- Mr. Socrates
- Mrs. Wall
- Mrs. Kautzman
- Mr. Eustace
- Mr. Escott
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*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.