EASTLAKE, Ohio — After seeing 25 cases of COVID-19 in their first week back to school, Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools will be mandating masks for all students, staff and visitors beginning Tuesday.
The district announced the decision Monday, saying it had a conversation with the local health department and followed their guidance on the matter.
Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools began the school year in-person on Aug. 18 and while the district strongly recommended masks, they were not mandated.
During the first week of school, Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools reported 25 cases of COVID-19 cases in the district which have resulted in around 82 quarantines.
"These numbers have shown us that failing to implement a mask mandate, coupled with the rising number of ill students and staff, will not allow the district to sustain a safe and in-person learning environment," said Steve Thompson, superintendent of Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools.
The new mask mandate will remain in effect until further notice, the district said.
You can watch Thompson's announcement below:
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