COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus City Schools will lift its mask requirement on March 8, a day after the local health department has recommended the citywide mandate expire, officials announced Thursday afternoon.
What You Need To Know
- The mask mandate for the district will end next week
- Masks will not be required on school buses, officials said
- The change comes after the CDC updated guidance last week
In a statement, superintendent Talisa Dixon said that officials are encouraged by the lower case numbers in Columbus.
“I did not take this decision lightly. Throughout the pandemic, our priority has been the health and safety of our students and staff. We will continue to follow our many other mitigation strategies and health protocols while allowing our families and staff to make the best choice for themselves when it comes to masking,” she said.
The citywide mask mandate for indoor public spaces could end on March 7, officials announced Monday.
Columbus City Schools officials consulted with representatives of Columbus Public Health and Nationwide Children’s Hospital as they made their decision to end the mask requirement.
Dr. Sara Bode, a pediatrician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, said in the statement that children are at lowest risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Most children had “very mild” symptoms during the latest wave driven by the omicron variant. Still, she said there are some families that may have reasons for their children to continue to mask, which will be supported by the district.
“We are still amid a pandemic,” Bode said. “While we are moving into the next phase of the pandemic, we must remain vigilant and monitor our health and the health of those around us.”
Officials met with union representatives for district staff on Wednesday to discuss the decision, according to Dixon.
