Maricopa County Public Health updates guidelines, recommending face coverings in school settings
Maricopa County Public Health updates guidelines, recommending face coverings in school settings
Parents are wondering how the county will keep their children safe if they return back to school in the fall during the pandemic. Gov. Doug Ducey is expected to make a decision on schools reopening by the end of July.
PHOENIX - It's been one of the biggest questions surrounding the reopening of Arizona schools: Will kids be required to wear masks?
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health updated their guidelines, recommending face coverings be worn in school settings:
- Wear face coverings when inside school buildings, anywhere on school grounds, and at school-related activities, whether indoor or outdoor.
- Face coverings must be worn by students and staff on buses or other public transportation vehicles.
- The face covering must cover both the nose and mouth. Always keep it in place. Students and staff should not touch the eyes, nose, or mouth when removing or adjusting a face covering.
Dr. Mark Joraanstad with Arizona School Administrators says, "It removes the issue of being contentious for governing boards if the county mandates it. On the other hand, it puts a problem in the laps of school districts in how do you enforce this if students refuse to wear this?"
Will this lay another additional burden onto teachers who are already dealing with pandemic students in a class room and dealing with a wearing of face coverings and the monitoring and enforcement?
Related
LIST: Arizona cities with face mask requirements
Coronavirus cases continue to skyrocket in Arizona and now, several cities are looking at possible mask mandates.
Dr. Joraanstad also wonders if schools will provide face coverings. Will they be disposable or reusable? And how will the cost be covered?
"Generally, if you require something to be provided or used by students, you have to provide it."
There are some exceptions for when the masks can come off, which include eating, exercising, swimming.
Again, these are recommedations for districts to require face coverings.
Continuing Coverage:
Related
Doctors ask for Arizona officials to 'follow the science' when it comes to reopening schools
"Follow the science" is the recommendation of some Arizona doctors when it comes to reopening in-person classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now they say the community spread is too high and that it needs to be at 5%.
Related
Maricopa County health director talks COVID-19 contract tracing, mask-wearing and schools
Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, the Maricopa County health director, addressed the media on July 8th on mask-wearing in the county and how it's doing when it comes to the spread of COVID-19.
Related
Why aren't more people wearing masks?
Health officials have repeatedly said wearing a face mask can help stop the spread of the coronavirus, but many people are refusing, citing freedom of choice. FOX's Ashley Strohmier reports.