Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
News about coronavirus in Florida and around the world is constantly emerging. It's hard to stay on top of it all but Health News Florida can help. Our responsibility is to keep you informed, and to help discern what’s important for your family as you make what could be life-saving decisions.

Orange Co. Students, Teachers Will Have To Wear Masks

Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.
Juan Carlos Becerra
/
The Florida Channel
Brick-and-mortar schools in Orange County are slated to reopen open Aug. 21.

The Orange County School Board agreed Tuesday to require all students, employees and visitors to wear masks at school. 

Excluded from the policy are children under age 2 and those with certain medical conditions, although Superintendent Barbara Jenkins said that last exemption may need to be revisited. 

“We have in writing from the Department of Health saying if a child can’t wear a mask they probably shouldn’t be on campus. They think it’s unsafe.” 

The academic year began in Orange County on Monday with everyone learning from home. 

Some 30 percent of students and teachers have indicated a preference for face-to-face learning when brick-and-mortar schools reopen Aug. 21.