2 Million Face Masks Sent To Ohio Schools

COLUMBUS, OH — Two million face masks will be distributed to Ohio schools before the start of the academic year.

Gov. Mike DeWine mandated Tuesday all Ohio students, in grades K-12, wear masks while in school buildings.

“This donation helps provide masks for students, teachers, and other school staff, as they plan for the coming school year,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “Mask wearing is one of the ways to help slow the spread of COVID-19, along with frequent hand washing and maintaining social distancing.”

The masks available to schools are KN-95 or KN-90 masks, meaning they are not medical-grade masks. The masks were sent to Ohio via shipping pallets, with 12,000 masks per pallet. The masks could fill eight semi-tractor trailers.

“With the opening of schools around the corner, we’re delighted these masks will be put to good use by Ohio schools,” said Ohio EMA Executive Director Sima Merick.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA) received the masks from FEMA. Masks will be available for school districts through regional Educational Service Centers (ESCs).

The masks arrived in Ohio on Monday and are now being sent out to the ESCs.

“The donated masks are another way the Department and so many education partners are working to ensure the health and safety of students, educators, and staff when school buildings reopen,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Paolo DeMaria.