FLOYD COUNTY, Ind. — Just two days into the school year, The Floyd County Health Department has issued an executive order requiring masks for all Kindergarten through 6th grade students inside schools in the county. The new order -- set to go into effect Friday -- requires masks for all grades at indoor, high density events where social distancing may not be possible.
Masks will be not required for outdoor activities. The duration of the order is set for 31 days but may be broadened or extended based on community and school incidence as well as other factors, the health department said.
"We had done a good job over the summer getting vaccinations to the 12-17 year old age group, and that was a bright spot, and we thought that was going to liberate a lot of people to not have to use masks. But with the dramatically increasing percentage of positivity, it kind of forces our hand," said Dr. Thomas Harris, the Floyd County Health Officer.
Dr. Thomas says the priority here is at avoid a return to virtual learning.
"We're trying to keep these kids in the classroom," Dr. Thomas said. "[Right now] They're highly at risk to not be in the classroom, and we know they don't learn as well [in those situations]."
Thursday, parents and members of the community gathered outside the health department to protest the new orders.
"My son has sensory issues, it has caused him a lot of stress," one parent said. "He can't tell if a teacher is yelling at him, or smiling. He is very distraught, last year was one of the worst years ever."
Other schools in the area like Clarksville Community Schools are requiring that all students, staff, and visitors wear masks indoors during the school day. Greater Clark is requiring staff and students who are not fully vaccinated are recommended to wear a mask/face covering.
Floyd County is currently in the red or high level of COVID-19 transmission levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Health Department said since children under the age of 12 are currently too young to be vaccinated, an aggressive masking program is the current best option to keep students in the classroom.
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