Ohio Students Cannot Wear Face Shields In Class, Must Wear Masks

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio students cannot wear face shields when returning to classrooms this fall, the Ohio Department of Health said this weekend.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said face shields are not an adequate replacement for face coverings or masks. The state health department echoed those sentiments on Saturday.

“At this time, it is not known what level of protection a face shield provides to people nearby from the spray of respiratory droplets from the wearer. There is currently not enough evidence to support the effectiveness of face shields for source control. Therefore, CDC does not currently recommend use of face shields as a substitute for masks," the CDC said.

Ohio's mask order for students in grades K-12 states that all students, faculty and staff in a school building or child care setting must wear facial coverings at all times. The masks must cover the nose and mouth, with little to no gap.

There are some exceptions made for Ohioans with medical conditions, or when students are eating or drinking or playing at recess.

If a student or staff member has a medical exception, then a face shield could serve as an adequate replacement, the state health department said.

"In those instances, a face shield should originate at the forehead with no gap, wrap around the sides of the face, and extend below the chin. When unable to use a mask, increased attention to other measures such as social distancing is imperative," the state health department said.