Masks Required In All Oakland County Schools

Detroit MI

25 August, 2021

9:32 AM

Description

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI— Masks will be required in all Oakland County schools and day cares, the Oakland County Health Division said. The countywide emergency order is effectively immediately, regardless of vaccination status. "Our top priority is keeping students in school for in-person learning. Masking is one of the best defenses against increased transmission of COVID and higher hospitalization rates among kids," Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said in a news release. "This order allows teachers to get back to educating our students and focusing on their success." The county is averaging 178 new cases per day and its seven-day test positivity rate has climbed to 6.6 percent from 5.0 percent since early August, the news release said. The order also references an American Academy of Pediatrics study that shows over 180,000 children testing positive for COVID-19 the week of August 12-19, which was an increase from the prior week of 120,000 children. The health order will not apply to the following individuals: Those eating or drinking.Children under the age of four years (supervised masking is recommended for children who are at least two years old).Anyone living with developmental conditions for whom it has been demonstrated that the use of a face covering would inhibit the person's access to education (those with Individualized Education Plan, Section 504 Plan, Individualized Healthcare Plan or equivalent).Vaccinated teachers working with children who are hard of hearing or students with developmental conditions who benefit from facial cues.Persons who have a medical reason confirmed in writing from a physician.