Working w/ educators & health officials, we’ve created K-12 school guidelines – backed by science – for schools to follow when developing their reopening plans. Schools can adjust their rules to what works best for them for a safe environment and that protects students/staff. 
While teachers/students did outstanding w/ distance learning, @AmerAcadPeds strongly recommends students be physically present in school as much as possible. To keep schools open, our guidelines are designed to create the safest environment possible for our students and staff.
Here are the five guidelines ⬇️
Specific details about each guideline will be available soon in this comprehensive document at coronavirus.ohio.gov. ⬇
FACE COVERINGS IN SCHOOLS: Just as we have done in the business sector with employees, we are requiring school staff to wear face coverings to reduce the spread of the virus, unless it is unsafe or when doing so could significantly interfere with the learning process.
When face coverings aren’t practical, face shields may be considered. For example, wearing a face mask could make communication more difficult when teachers are interacting with students with disabilities or students who are learning a foreign language.
Because of the importance of face masks in slowing the spread of COVID-19, schools must establish a face mask policy. In doing so, they should consider all the available science.
It is also the state's strong recommendation that students 3rd grade and up wear face masks.
Remember, we wear masks to protect each other, often because people are sick, but show no symptoms. Masks can be especially useful and are strongly recommended at any grade level during periods of increased risk and when physical distancing is difficult.
To assist schools in their efforts to implement our 5 guidelines, the @OHEducation has created “The Reset and Restart Education Planning Guide for Ohio Schools and Districts” to help schools w/ solutions to the many challenges they face.
To reopen school safely, there will be unforeseen expenses schools will face. I’ll work w/ the Ohio General Assembly to ensure federal CARES Act dollars are available to #Ohio school districts to help with these costs.
I would like to thank teachers, principals, parents, and the following organizations for all of their help, input, and expertise in putting this guidance: @OFTadvocate, @OhioEA, @Oapse4, @BASA_Supt, @OHschoolboards, @oasbo, @OhioACTE, Ohio Alliance for High Quality Education.
