LOS ANGELES (KNX) — All public and private school staff in Los Angeles County will have to modify their masking practices, according to new protocols announced Saturday by the county Department of Public Health.
Already staff and students are required to wear masks when indoors, along with any visitors that are allowed to visit a school campus. However, the new protocols go one step further, by seriously defining the type of face coverings that will be acceptable for staff and employees.
“At this time, all school employees…must wear surgical-grade masks (also referred to as medical procedure masks) or higher level PPE,” health officials said in a statement, explaining that “higher level” refers to KN95 or N95 respirator masks.
Health officials went on to say that for those who choose to wear surgical masks, double-masking is recommended — meaning that a cloth face covering over the surgical mask would enhance protection.
“Cloth face coverings alone are no longer acceptable,” health officials said, “as they do not provide the same level of source control or personal protection as a proper surgical mask or higher level PPE.”
The new masking rules go into effect two weeks after schools and districts reopen after the holidays.
While it is strongly recommended that students also wear surgical or higher level masks, it is not required. Instead, they are at least asked to wear “well-fitting, non-cloth masks of multiple layers of non-woven material with a nose wire,” according to the Department of Public Health.
Nothing in the mandate requires the schools to provide masks to students, but all employees who interact with others will be offered face coverings at no cost, according to health officials.
Outdoor masking
Masking will now be required at all public and private schools for all outdoor activities where physical distancing is not possible, except while eating or drinking, according to updated protocols released Saturday by the Department of Public Health.
The rule applies to both students and staff.
“All students two and older are also required to wear masks while outdoors on campus when in crowded settings, and in other outdoor spaces where distancing is not possible or practical,” health officials continued, adding that it is “strongly recommended but not required that students wear upgraded masks.”
Special considerations for those in performing arts can be found on page 13 of the Health Department’s statement.
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