masks

Despite the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Ohio, the masking policies still vary among school districts.

Northeast Ohio students start returning to school this week, just as the delta variant has turned the state into a COVID-19 hotspot. Whether students will be required to wear masks in the classroom depends on which district they attend.

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District welcomed students into the classroom full-time on Monday, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started. For many parents and guardians who dropped off students after more than a year of remote learning, it was exciting to see their children greet old friends and teachers. However, with COVID-19 and the Delta variant looming, their joy and excitement was expressed through a twinkle in their eye, rather than a smile on their face, as they adhere to CMSD’s mask policy for all students, staff and visitors.

Researchers discuss how our attitudes and behaviors are changing with masks as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

As COVID-19 spread is increasing, Giant Eagle this week will start asking customers to wear masks again and requiring all employees wear masks, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status. The Pennsylvania-based grocery store chain announced in a statement that starting Wednesday, all team members will need to wear face coverings, even if they’re vaccinated. And on Friday, Giant Eagle will strongly suggest customers wear masks when they enter the store. Employees will provide masks for people who don’t have one.

The university's new guidance follows new recommendations from the CDC, encouraging masks to be worn in areas of high COVID-19 spread.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday reversed course on its mask guidance, once again suggesting all individuals wear masks indoors in areas where COVID-19 cases are surging.

Ohio reported nearly 500 positive COVID-19 cases Sunday which is the highest number for a Sunday since May; Gov. Mike DeWine and Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson have appealed in recent days for full approval of the COVID-19 vaccines as virus cases and hospitalizations skyrocket in their states; Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski issued an official statement over the weekend on the sheriff's office letterhead condemning The Indians name change to The Guardians; and more stories.

Ohio’s statewide pandemic health orders have expired . And while the mask mandate has also been lifted, doctors say there are people who should still be wearing masks.

When the pandemic began personal protective equipment was in short supply. Ohio pushed for federal approval of a mask-cleaning system developed by the Columbus-based Battelle Institute.