Barrington To Require Surgical, Multi-Layer Cloth Masks In School

BARRINGTON, RI — Updated face mask requirements from Barrington Public Schools' hopeful return to in-classroom learning indicates surgical masks, and multi-layer cloth masks, will be required for students while in school buildings to start the school year.

Students will not be allowed to wear bandanas, masks with vents or synthetic neck gaiters, after recent studies showed they are not as effective in blocking potential virus particles from escaping the nose and mouth.

Barrington Schools said that while fitted, N-95 style masks are the most effective in preventing virus spread, they are still in short supply and should be reserved for hospital workers and other first responders.

Surgical masks are becoming more available and will be used with more frequency as they increasingly continue to do so.

Surgical masks can be used up to five days if not dirty before they must be disposed. Cloth masks are recommended to be washed daily.

While gaiters and bandanas are considered more comfortable among most when worn in warmer temperatures, or for hours at a time, Barrington Schools have deemed them not effective enough for in-classroom education, based on recent studies.

"Most of them are a single layer and don't allow for a filter," Barrington Schools said in a letter to the community. "Therefore, Barrington Public Schools will not accept single layer neck gaiters, bandanas, or single-layer masks to satisfy the face mask/covering requirement."