Cuyahoga Falls city schools extends mask mandate through Nov. 24

Akron Beacon Journal - 11/1/2021

The Cuyahoga Falls City School District's mask mandate has been extended through Nov. 24, according to its leader.

Superintendent Dr. Todd Nichols made the announcement in an all-call to district homes Friday evening. He emphasized that the requirement is in effect for students, staff members and building visitors regardless of vaccination status.

He added the mandate will be re-assessed following the Thanksgiving break, which starts Nov. 25 and ends Nov. 29.

In his call, Nichols said the Centers for Disease Control, Ohio Department of Health and Summit County Public Health continue to recommend the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"In our district, the wearing of masks has significantly reduced the number of days of instructional time lost due to positive cases and quarantine," Nichols said.

The district implemented its mask mandate on Sept. 7. The number of positive COVID-19 cases in the district dropped from 101 in September to 41 in October.

"We want that trend to continue," Nichols stated.

Students do not have classes on Monday, Nov. 1, or Tuesday, Nov. 2. Family conferences are taking place on Monday and there is a professional development day for staff on Tuesday.

Reporter Phil Keren can be reached at pkeren@thebeaconjournal.com, or on Twitter at @keren_phil.