• Awaits reports from 78 districts

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has said that 109 school districts will open schooling by in-person or virtual, or both methods.

“I think our schools are doing a very good job getting ready for in-person or virtual schooling – or both. I have every confidence that they will do everything they can to keep Ohio’s children safe – but whatever is going on in their communities will be reflected in the schools,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

“We have 55 districts or about 25.6 percent (approximately 398,000 students) of our public-school students that will be fully remote or online. And 54 districts or 24.5 percent (approximately 380,000 students) will be doing some form of hybrid schooling. There are 78 districts for which we don’t have information readily available.”

According to him, “my plea to everyone is that if we want our kids to go to school in person, to play sports, to be in extracurricular activities – it’s up to all of us to cut down the spread in our communities. Wear masks, social distance, and avoid large gatherings.”

In his contributions, Dr. John Barnard of Nationwide Children’s Hospital said, “17-year-olds seem to be contracting coronavirus at higher rates than their younger peers. This could be because they are more likely to socialize with more people.”

Also speaking, Dr. Patty Manning of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital said, “Younger children who need closer-contact care may be more likely to spread coronavirus. The older children, especially teens, are a great risk for spread because they are very active and have contact with each other.”

“For schools to be safe in Ohio they must ensure everyone is wearing masks, social distancing, good hand hygiene and keeping surfaces clean.”

“Ventilation is also very important. Teachers should try to open windows or teach outside if possible.”