The Ohio Department of Health has announced that it will strongly recommend – but not mandate – the wearing of masks in the classroom for anyone who hasn’t gotten the COVID-19 vaccine.

Ohio’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff strongly recommends vaccines for staff and students age 12 and up.

And he says those who are unvaccinated should consistently wear masks.

Dr. Vanderhoff says many people are quick to say that children don’t get sick or as bad as adults.

However, Vanderhoff and his team of experts say children can still get sick and they can be carriers of covid.

Again, these are recommendations and Dr. Vanderhoff says there will be no mandates.

Governor DeWine said he will not be issuing a mask mandate for schools, leaving the decision up to individual school districts and parents.

Findlay City Schools has said that the wearing of masks will be optional for the 2021-22 school year.

However, students and staff who have not been vaccinated are highly encouraged to wear a mask.