LA Unified prohibits cloth face masks

Los Angeles Unified School District on Monday barred students from wearing cloth face masks at school, beginning immediately, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The announcement, sent to families over the weekend, was based on guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health as a way to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Only surgical masks and medical-grade masks, such as N95s or KN95s, are allowed. Schools will have surgical masks available for students who need them, according to the newspaper. Cloth masks worn over surgical or medical-grade masks are OK.

The district will make exceptions for students with disabilities that prevent them from complying.

“Our in-school [coronavirus infection] rates have dropped but we are continuing to be diligent and agile in creating the safest learning environment,” Shannon Haber, a spokesperson for LAUSD, said.