Ohio doesn’t plan to mandate masks in schools this fall, but health officials strongly recommend students and staff wear face coverings…if they aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19. Some of Ohio’s largest districts, including Columbus and Cleveland, already decided to require masks for everyone when the school year begins. Others are still navigating the complicated decision-making and polarization around mask rules…as the delta variant spreads and cases rise. The health department is strongly urging school employees and eligible students…12 and older…to get vaccinated. Health officials also are recommending schools continue additional measures that have proven helpful, such as keeping extra distance between people indoors, improving ventilation, sanitizing and encouraging good hand-washing.