By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Most school districts in Wood County have now shed mask mandates in their school buildings – with some starting the new mask-free policies on Wednesday.
Bowling Green administration is expected to have a decision by Wednesday afternoon on the district’s response to state guideline changes.
BG Superintendent Francis Scruci sent out an email to parents, guardians and staff around 8:50 p.m. Tuesday, saying:
“For the past two days, I have been involved in a district legal matter and have not had the opportunity to meet with our administrative team to discuss the impact or procedures related to the new guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health,” Scruci wrote.
“My administrative team and I will be meeting in the morning for the purpose of developing an implementation plan for the new guidelines. Once we have developed our plan, I will be sending out information to you by late afternoon. Again, I want to thank you for your understanding and flexibility while we continue to navigate the pandemic and changing guidelines,” Scruci said.
The decisions to drop mask mandates at other districts were based on revised recommendations from the Ohio Department of Health that came down on Monday.
ODH issued revised recommendations that allow K-12 students and staff who are exposed to COVID in school settings to use a combination of masks and testing to remain in school and continue to participate in extracurricular activities as long as they do not develop symptoms.
“In-person education is essential for the developmental and social support our students need. Our teachers, administrators and staff have worked tirelessly this year to keep kids safe, engaged and in the classroom, and these guidelines will increase opportunities for children to remain in school,” Wood County Health Commissioner Ben Robison said.
Superintendents will communicate updated protocols directly with their staff and families as procedures are finalized. Most districts have weighed in.
Perrysburg, Otsego, Lake and Penta Career Center will reportedly shift to mask recommendations rather than mandates. Eastwood, Elmwood and North Baltimore have not mandated masks this school year. Rossford’s board of education is scheduled to discuss the issue on Wednesday.
Wood County Health Department statistics for this school year show the number of positive COVID cases among students in the following districts:
- Perrysburg, 122
- Northwood, 81
- Penta Career Center, 58
- Bowling Green, 47
- Lake, 37
- Otsego, 32
- Elmwood, 26
- Eastwood, 25
- North Baltimore, 24
According to the Wood County Health Department, the revised guidance was informed by a growing body of national evidence that indicates that wearing masks and testing of exposed students can help limit the spread of COVID when used in combination. Data show that wearing masks in schools and in other public settings is an effective strategy for reducing transmission of COVID. Individuals can maximize their protection by wearing a mask at all times, even if they are not aware they have been exposed.
“Wearing masks indoors is important, not just for students and staff exposed in school, but for all of us as long as case levels remain high in our community,” Robison said.
The risk of spread can be further reduced by continuing to follow other measures, including maintaining as much distance as possible, staying home when sick and testing for anyone who could have COVID, according to the health department.
“Vaccination against COVID remains the best way to protect students and staff while limiting the impacts of the disease within the community,” Robison said. “Currently, individuals 12 years old and older are eligible to be vaccinated, and children ages 5 to 11 may soon be eligible as well.”
Parents who wish to keep their children at home following a COVID exposure may do so. The updated guidelines do not apply to household exposures or other exposures that occur outside of the school setting or school-related activities.
