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Gov. DeWine: More than 50% of Ohio's K-12 students being required to wear masks in school

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's office provided the update just days after he urged districts to independently issue mask mandates.

OHIO, USA — * Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report. 

Just days after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine urged school districts to independently issue mask mandates throughout the state, his office is providing an update on the progress. 

According to DeWine's office, fifty-eight percent of Ohio students in grades K-12 are required to wear a mask while attending school. 

RELATED: Ohio Children's Hospitals Association asks all school districts to mandate masks

“I am pleased to see more school superintendents and school boards make the right decision and require masks to protect students and teachers from COVID-19 spread,” said Governor DeWine in a statement on Friday. “We share a common goal of ensuring kids are in school, in person, five days a week. While vaccinations remain the best protection against severe COVID-19 cases, masking will help protect those that can’t yet receive the vaccine and adds another layer of protection for those that have.”

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During his press briefing on Tuesday, DeWine stated that COVID-19 cases are increasing at nearly twice the rate among school-aged kids as compared to the rest of the population. 

"The best way to keep schools open & kids out of quarantine is for those 12+ to get vaccinated. But because those under 12 are too young to be vaccinated, we need all students who come to school to wear a mask until we get through this," DeWine added.

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* Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.

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