Tenaj Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 Last week Governor Dewine said that the health department was going to issue an order requiring masks in all schools for grades K through 12. Has anyone been able to find a copy of that actual order? I've been watching the Ohio Coronavirus website and can't find it (but things are easy to miss there). I've googled but come up with lots of references to that particular news conference but nothing with the actual order.  We're in a situation with a small private school that sent an email out yesterday saying masks are not required for students. I'm trying to figure out if an exemption was made for schools of a certain size? The longer version of the story is that last Monday they said masks are not required. Then after announcement by governor on Tuesday, they sent out another email saying masks were required per the governor's order. Then on Thursday another email went out saying they weren't ready to say that so hold on and then yesterday another email arrived stating that masks are not required. It's a mess for us and for our son because we won't let him attend if they are not going to follow the state rules for schools but if there is an exemption we don't know about, that would (might) change our reaction. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cintinative Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 Are they saying that masks are not required for under 10? Because above 10 the mask mandate for the entire state applies. This isn't the actual order but gives the guidelines.  https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/resources/news-releases-news-you-can-use/covid-19-update-08-04-20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 12, 2020 Author Share Posted August 12, 2020 20 minutes ago, cintinative said: Are they saying that masks are not required for under 10? Because above 10 the mask mandate for the entire state applies. This isn't the actual order but gives the guidelines.  https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/resources/news-releases-news-you-can-use/covid-19-update-08-04-20 No, they are saying they aren't going to require masks for any student. The guidelines are all that I've found, too.  1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 12, 2020 Author Share Posted August 12, 2020 7 minutes ago, Bagels McGruffikin said: Meh, I’m just waiting for an email clarifying, otherwise I don’t care. The state changes their mind every four days and I’m done giving it mental space. Last I heard our group wasn’t mandating it and they may have changed that with the state order. But are private schools or groups of kids that aren’t certified schools but are doing group activities required to comply? It was unclear last I checked, hence some of the confusion for non public school small groups of children. Well, I have to care because it's a decision we have to make as to whether my 16yods is going to the school or not. It's a private school, not a co-op. They have a couple hundred students in K-12. They have been subject to all the other orders (they were closed down last spring). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 12, 2020 Author Share Posted August 12, 2020 Just now, Bagels McGruffikin said: What I meant was, no matter what they do, you have a choice to make. How much does it matter to your family if you’re exposed? If it’s a big deal, I think that makes the answer for you. If it’s not, send him with whatever precautions you want and let that go. It’s a binary choice. As I added below, have you considered emailing the governor’s office for clarification on the specific private school situation? That might be your best bet. Yes, a decision to make. There is an aspect that we are considering that goes beyond exposure. Throughout the pandemic, we have made our choices and decisions based upon what mandates are currently in effect. We believe strongly that I Peter 2, Romans 13 and the example of Jesus requires us to follow the local, state and federal authorities unless what they are requesting goes against God's word. Do you see our dilemma now? That's why I want to lay eyes on an actual health order before pulling the plug on our son's attendance. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 12, 2020 Author Share Posted August 12, 2020 (edited) Sent an email to the governor's office so we'll see if I get an answer back. I'm sure they are swamped.  Dh and I have decided not to make an issue of it. Like you said, it may change ten times between now and start of school. Ds is sooo excited about school that we'll risk exposure and a disrupted year for him đŸ™‚.   Edited August 12, 2020 by JanOH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cintinative Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 (edited) This is the statewide mask mandate (different than the school-based guidance you mentioned). https://www.dispatch.com/assets/pdf/OH36848723.pdf It excludes schools that comply with the guidance from the ODOE or ODOH. @JanOH I found this via the ODOE site. Is this what we want?  https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/responsible/schools/K-12-Schools-Guidance.pdf ETA: linked from: http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Reset-and-Restart Edited August 12, 2020 by cintinative Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 12, 2020 Author Share Posted August 12, 2020 (edited) 48 minutes ago, cintinative said: This is the statewide mask mandate (different than the school-based guidance you mentioned). https://www.dispatch.com/assets/pdf/OH36848723.pdf It excludes schools that comply with the guidance from the ODOE or ODOH. @JanOH I found this via the ODOE site. Is this what we want?  https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/responsible/schools/K-12-Schools-Guidance.pdf ETA: linked from: http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Reset-and-Restart That link, the K-12 Schools Guidance is what I found but it hasn't been updated to reflect the governor's statement last week that masking is mandatory for K-12. I wonder if they are having trouble with the wording or with the exemptions because as far as I can tell there has been no actual order issued. It's not under the health orders listed for August on the Ohio corona virus website. I wonder if that's why the school we are involved with has chosen not to update their policy.  Edited August 12, 2020 by JanOH 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cintinative Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 1 hour ago, JanOH said: That link, the K-12 Schools Guidance is what I found but it hasn't been updated to reflect the governor's statement last week that masking is mandatory for K-12. I wonder if they are having trouble with the wording or with the exemptions because as far as I can tell there has been no actual order issued. It's not under the health orders listed for August on the Ohio corona virus website. I wonder if that's why the school we are involved with has chosen not to update their policy.  I couldn't find it either, so you are probably right. I have also been looking for a copy of the letter that was sent to faith-based communities and have had no luck. If you hear back from your email to the governor, can you post here? Thanks! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pen Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 5 hours ago, JanOH said: Last week Governor Dewine said that the health department was going to issue an order requiring masks in all schools for grades K through 12. Has anyone been able to find a copy of that actual order? I've been watching the Ohio Coronavirus website and can't find it (but things are easy to miss there). I've googled but come up with lots of references to that particular news conference but nothing with the actual order.  We're in a situation with a small private school that sent an email out yesterday saying masks are not required for students. I'm trying to figure out if an exemption was made for schools of a certain size? The longer version of the story is that last Monday they said masks are not required. Then after announcement by governor on Tuesday, they sent out another email saying masks were required per the governor's order. Then on Thursday another email went out saying they weren't ready to say that so hold on and then yesterday another email arrived stating that masks are not required. It's a mess for us and for our son because we won't let him attend if they are not going to follow the state rules for schools but if there is an exemption we don't know about, that would (might) change our reaction.  I’m not an Ohio person, but where I am I am seeing things change so frequently that I look at the new info, but have decided to take a wait and see approach rather than assuming the way it is now or will be tomorrow or the next day is the way it will be next week or two weeks.  I have been completing surveys or emailing or otherwise giving my feedback to the powers that be for what that’s worth. I have purchased masks on the one hand and have figured out a basic homeschool approach on the other to try to be prepared for either in school or complete homeschooling.  Though I expect that actual situation will probably be distance learning which is not ideal, but I have a child who will want to do what most friends do. A pandemic is not ideal. And I think change of plans is to be expected.  1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storygirl Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 I'm curious, too. DD graduated from a Christian private school the year, and she heard that the school is not requiring masks, despite the order. I've been wondering if they are meant to comply. I am glad that DD graduated, because we would NOT be comfortable with her being in classrooms with people who are not masking. That would have left us with a deep dilemma. So I understand your concerns, @JanOH. It's extremely hard to decide to switch schools mid-high school, and it would have been sorrowful for all of us, because DD loved her school. I did find this, which contains the physicians' letter explaining the exemptions -- https://www.cleveland.com/news/2020/08/ohio-introduces-mask-mandate-for-children-returning-to-k-12-schools.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 If your concern is not the possible virus exposure, but that the school adheres to the law, why not just ask the school if they will be adhering to any mandates issued? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storygirl Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 (edited) https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dewine-husted-to-give-update-on-coronavirs-response/5PFJISIQAFERFAE6T4QQC6LNVA/ This article says that the order applies to private schools, but I still haven't found a way to verify it. https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/resources/news-releases-news-you-can-use/covid-19-update-08-04-20 That is the press release on the governor's web site, which says the health department "will be" issuing an order. Edited August 12, 2020 by Storygirl 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 In our area co-ops are modifying plans and canceling. Jist was they not only had the masking to deal with but contact tracong and shut downs. Can you imagine the problems if a private school does NOT comply with mandates and cases are traced to them? Ugly. Btw, I think there are people literally saying a mandate is not "law" and therefore they have choice. For real. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cintinative Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 14 minutes ago, PeterPan said:  Btw, I think there are people literally saying a mandate is not "law" and therefore they have choice. For real.  yep. I have heard this also. And that it restricts their freedom of expression of religion to wear a mask. But that's another thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storygirl Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/resources/public-health-orders/ Executive Order 2020-34D, signed on August 10, is the one that references masking in grades K-12. It does not spell out the rules but references adopting new rules in the Ohio Revised Code. I searched for those rule numbers, but I couldn't find them; the online database that I found doesn't seem to have been updated yet. The order says it applies to "eligible nonpublic schools." I don't know how to determine whether a particular school is "eligible" or not. I found this description of the two types of private schools in Ohio. It doesn't distinguish between them with the word "eligible": http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-Education-Options/Private-Schools If you want to go down a rabbit hole, you can explore the link above and the one below (and other links on the state website) and see if your school is chartered or non-chartered and learn what that means. I did see that even non-chartered schools "shall comply" with state and local health and safety laws. http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-Education-Options/Private-Schools/Non-Chartered-Non-Tax-School-Information http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-Education-Options/Private-Schools/Chartered-Nonpublic-School-Information  So I guess it depends upon whether the school in question is an "eligible nonpublic school" whether they have to follow the masking laws??  Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 12, 2020 Author Share Posted August 12, 2020 1 hour ago, Ktgrok said: If your concern is not the possible virus exposure, but that the school adheres to the law, why not just ask the school if they will be adhering to any mandates issued? Well, we feel like we are in a strange position on this. We've been associated with this school for about 12 years. All of our kids have played various sports through them as they welcome homeschoolers. My current 16yo lobbied heavily to attend. So, if we start raising a fuss do we stop playing sports, too? Does the school still allow us to participate in sports because if they don't, my son will be absolutely crushed! He is a very social guy and his entire sports and social life is built around the kids in this school. To a certain extent, I feel like my hands are tied on this. If we choose to make an issue of this and not allow him to start school because of it,  I can justify still allowing him to play sports (if that even happens!) because of less exposure but from their perspective I'm not sure that will work.  Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storygirl Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 (edited) About whether a mandate is a law -- the executive orders that I perused references corresponding amendments to the Ohio Revised Code. So....law, I would think. Edited August 12, 2020 by Storygirl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storygirl Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 I've been feeling really conflicted over the past day or so, since I found out DD's private school was not going to be requiring masks. Even though she graduated, we feel an affiliation and affection for the school and staff. So I am dismayed that they are not taking what I think are proper safety measures, because I care about the people there, and I also care that the leadership of the school and the church that hosts it are showing disregard for state mandates. It does not sit right with me, at all. Honestly, I have been wondering whether I should let our county health department know that this school (and supposedly some other Christian private schools in the area) are not planning to mask. I went so far as to look on the health department website and found the form to report a concern, but I didn't fill it out yet. Jan, if you don't hear back from the governor's office in quick order, maybe you could call your county health department and ask if the private schools are required to follow the mask order. I bet they know. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 12, 2020 Author Share Posted August 12, 2020 1 hour ago, PeterPan said: In our area co-ops are modifying plans and canceling. Jist was they not only had the masking to deal with but contact tracong and shut downs. Can you imagine the problems if a private school does NOT comply with mandates and cases are traced to them? Ugly. Btw, I think there are people literally saying a mandate is not "law" and therefore they have choice. For real. Exactly! I told someone recently that my goal in life right now is not to have our family or our church used as a bad example of a break out of Covid. Dh is in a position of leadership at our little church so we feel responsible there. At least the school policy can't be blamed on me. Regarding mandate, vs. law. Yep. I've heard that too and mainly from a group involved at this same school. It's a fake virus, all the positives are fake, it's all a conspiracy by the powers that be to get rid of . . . whoever . . . latest post making the rounds is that face masks cause Legionnaires Disease. If/When the Governor releases the actual order and the specifics I'm hoping that the school reconsiders. For now, we'll wait. School doesn't start until the 26th. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 12, 2020 Author Share Posted August 12, 2020 1 minute ago, Storygirl said: I've been feeling really conflicted over the past day or so, since I found out DD's private school was not going to be requiring masks. Even though she graduated, we feel an affiliation and affection for the school and staff. So I am dismayed that they are not taking what I think are proper safety measures, because I care about the people there, and I also care that the leadership of the school and the church that hosts it are showing disregard for state mandates. It does not sit right with me, at all. Honestly, I have been wondering whether I should let our county health department know that this school (and supposedly some other Christian private schools in the area) are not planning to mask. I went so far as to look on the health department website and found the form to report a concern, but I didn't fill it out yet. Jan, if you don't hear back from the governor's office in quick order, maybe you could call your county health department and ask if the private schools are required to follow the mask order. I bet they know. That's a good idea. I've heard there is quite a group of the smaller private school in Ohio deciding to ignore the mask mandate though I can't find any others directly in our area. All of the schools that we play for sports, for example, are requiring masks. I'm wondering if they won't reconsider just based on that because the other schools may not be willing to play us if we don't have that masking going on during the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storygirl Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 Our church was planning a big outdoor event with a fireworks display (an annual thing), and their county health department told them that they can't hold it, because it's a mass gathering. So the health department can advise churches, and I would assume that is true of private church schools, as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 8 minutes ago, JanOH said: Well, we feel like we are in a strange position on this. We've been associated with this school for about 12 years. All of our kids have played various sports through them as they welcome homeschoolers. My current 16yo lobbied heavily to attend. So, if we start raising a fuss do we stop playing sports, too? Does the school still allow us to participate in sports because if they don't, my son will be absolutely crushed! He is a very social guy and his entire sports and social life is built around the kids in this school. To a certain extent, I feel like my hands are tied on this. If we choose to make an issue of this and not allow him to start school because of it,  I can justify still allowing him to play sports (if that even happens!) because of less exposure but from their perspective I'm not sure that will work.  Can you ask without making a big stink, just...sort of innocently ask? So, "I saw that masks are no longer required - was there a change to the law regarding this?" Then they either have to say, "Yes, there was a change" or "We don't feel we need to comply" and you will at least know. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cintinative Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 6 minutes ago, Storygirl said: Our church was planning a big outdoor event with a fireworks display (an annual thing), and their county health department told them that they can't hold it, because it's a mass gathering. So the health department can advise churches, and I would assume that is true of private church schools, as well.  Are you in Ohio? This is interesting because I called to ask about youth group events and I was told they were exempt and even if they weren't, they don't enforce the mass gathering guidance (this was someone on the COVID helpline!). The church I attend is planning a big picnic/slip n slide/cornhole thing in a couple of weeks. I am so confused. To me, they are not allowed to do this, but there I cannot find a document that would indicate this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storygirl Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 31 minutes ago, cintinative said:  Are you in Ohio? This is interesting because I called to ask about youth group events and I was told they were exempt and even if they weren't, they don't enforce the mass gathering guidance (this was someone on the COVID helpline!). The church I attend is planning a big picnic/slip n slide/cornhole thing in a couple of weeks. I am so confused. To me, they are not allowed to do this, but there I cannot find a document that would indicate this. Yes, I'm in Ohio. Our church does have youth group, but my kids have not been going. The youth group was outside for about a month in June, then inexplicably, they moved indoors in July, even though the weather was still nice. Attendance must have been lower when they were inside, because they moved it back outside, "to enable more people to attend." The fireworks event had no worship component but was just a social activity, so maybe that put it in a different category for health orders. The church was planning to run an annual community outreach children's camp at a park (major event that requires a ton of volunteers), as well, and that was also cancelled. I thought when they announced earlier in the summer that they were holding these events, that it was crazy, and I'm glad they were cancelled. I'm sure it was not the church's decision, because the pastor expressed disappointment when he announced the change in plans. But the church could be following "advice" from the health department and not "orders." I wouldn't know which. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saraha Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 I can't give too many details, but in our experience the beliefs of your health department director can directly affect who and what is looked at or not as compliance or not. PM me if you need more details than that 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 2 hours ago, Storygirl said: So I guess it depends upon whether the school in question is an "eligible nonpublic school" whether they have to follow the masking laws? Conceivably homeschoolers operating under 08 laws have this applying to them. If they have in someone from outside their family that they teach (which some do) and operate under 08 laws, they could be liable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cintinative Posted August 13, 2020 Share Posted August 13, 2020 @JanOH The governor just said it will be posted within a few hours. That explains why we couldn't find it. đŸ˜ƒ 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 13, 2020 Author Share Posted August 13, 2020 1 hour ago, cintinative said: @JanOH The governor just said it will be posted within a few hours. That explains why we couldn't find it. đŸ˜ƒ I heard that and thought the same thing.Â đŸ™‚ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cintinative Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 Quote  https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/publicorders/DO-K-12-facial-coverings.pdf  @JanOH here it is! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 14 hours ago, Bagels McGruffikin said: Ha, there we go. I’ll be glad to see some clarification, muddy messages don’t help ANYONE and the schools are in enough of a difficult logistical spot as it is. Try living in Michigan right now. We have over 160 executive orders regarding the virus response.  1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 14, 2020 Author Share Posted August 14, 2020 8 hours ago, cintinative said: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/publicorders/DO-K-12-facial-coverings.pdf  @JanOH here it is! No exemption for private schools. I wonder if I'll get a revised policy today. If not, I'll send a copy and ask a few questions on Monday or Tuesday. Thanks so much! I kept checking last night but gave up too soon. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 14, 2020 Author Share Posted August 14, 2020 30 minutes ago, JanOH said: No exemption for private schools. I wonder if I'll get a revised policy today. If not, I'll send a copy and ask a few questions on Monday or Tuesday. Thanks so much! I kept checking last night but gave up too soon. Just read the order again and see the last exemption is "h. When an established sincerely held religious requirement exists that does not permit a facial covering." I wonder what this means in practicality.  1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cintinative Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 1 hour ago, JanOH said: Just read the order again and see the last exemption is "h. When an established sincerely held religious requirement exists that does not permit a facial covering." I wonder what this means in practicality.   I have seen that language with respect to other issues like not vaccinating. I am not sure what it means either.  Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 On 8/12/2020 at 4:05 PM, Storygirl said: About whether a mandate is a law -- the executive orders that I perused references corresponding amendments to the Ohio Revised Code. So....law, I would think. Not from Ohio, but Michigan where our governor loves her confusing executive orders.... I think technically an executive order is not a law because it was not passed in the typical manner by a legislative body, but has the force of law which is really what matters.  If they can fine/jail/otherwise enforce it the manner in which it comes into existence is irrelevant in the moment.  The courts might decide the executive branch overstepped their power, but that doesn’t help until possibly much later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 14, 2020 Author Share Posted August 14, 2020 (edited) 3 hours ago, Bagels McGruffikin said: It means that if you claim religious grounds for your belief and action you have stronger standing, constitutionally, than a state governor’s mandate. Without it the lawsuits can roll in pretty quickly. It gets abused, of course, but there are issues where religious conscience objections are legitimate.  The state legal departments add it as boilerplate language to any behavioral mandate or guidance. Yeah, I know that. I was just thinking aloud, I guess, trying to figure out what would be a religious objection to a face mask. I've seen plenty of reasons but most of them are either that they are ineffective or "dangerous" or political. I can't make the transference in my mind to a religious reason. Edited August 14, 2020 by JanOH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cintinative Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 28 minutes ago, JanOH said: Yeah, I know that. I was just thinking aloud, I guess, trying to figure out what would be a religious objection to a face mask. I've seen plenty of reasons but most of them are either that they are ineffective or "dangerous" or political. I can't make the transference in my mind to a religious reason.  I'm not sure of the application to a Christian school because I have not attended one, but some people believe wearing a mask inhibits the free expression of religion allowed for in the Constitution. Not trying to threadjack, because that is a whole other discussion. But there it is. (this is not my personal belief btw). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 32 minutes ago, cintinative said: some people believe We also have people in Ohio who went on national television saying they saw aliens. 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 14, 2020 Author Share Posted August 14, 2020 (edited) 2 hours ago, cintinative said:  I'm not sure of the application to a Christian school because I have not attended one, but some people believe wearing a mask inhibits the free expression of religion allowed for in the Constitution. Not trying to threadjack, because that is a whole other discussion. But there it is. (this is not my personal belief btw). I'm waiting for an email from the school but they have been silent today. If I don't hear anything by Monday, I'll have to ask some questions and attach the order đŸ™‚  Edited August 14, 2020 by JanOH Bad sentence structure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forty-two Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 (edited) 7 hours ago, JanOH said: "h. When an established sincerely held religious requirement exists that does not permit a facial covering." I wonder what this means in practicality. Per my dh (a pastor), in practice it means that you have a lot better standing if the religious body you are a member of has taken an official stand on the issue. If the religious body you are a member of declines to take an official stand, it negatively impacts your individual claim to a religious requirement. So for a Christian school, they aren't going to have very solid ground for this exemption unless whatever church or denomination they are affiliated with officially declares support for rejecting facial coverings. ETA: Ditto for individual students/parents claiming an exemption - their position isn't very strong unless their church/denomination has officially declared support for refusing masks. Edited August 14, 2020 by forty-two 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCB Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 5 hours ago, forty-two said: Per my dh (a pastor), in practice it means that you have a lot better standing if the religious body you are a member of has taken an official stand on the issue. If the religious body you are a member of declines to take an official stand, it negatively impacts your individual claim to a religious requirement. So for a Christian school, they aren't going to have very solid ground for this exemption unless whatever church or denomination they are affiliated with officially declares support for rejecting facial coverings. ETA: Ditto for individual students/parents claiming an exemption - their position isn't very strong unless their church/denomination has officially declared support for refusing masks. Just out of interest, on what grounds could a church/denomination refuse masks do you think? I can’t think what they could use to support that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebcoola Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020  2 hours ago, TCB said: Just out of interest, on what grounds could a church/denomination refuse masks do you think? I can’t think what they could use to support that. Basically it's wrong to cover the likeness of God is the only thing I've seen. It doesn't make sense to me but if a denomination jumped on it they could probably get exempted.  https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2020/05/04/state-rep-wont-wear-mask-because-faces-are-the-likeness-of-god/ 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 57 minutes ago, rebcoola said: It doesn't make sense to me but if a denomination jumped on it they could probably get exempted. Hey, then we could all just cross the street! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQuGizjoCTY Â Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pen Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 14 hours ago, rebcoola said:  Basically it's wrong to cover the likeness of God is the only thing I've seen. It doesn't make sense to me but if a denomination jumped on it they could probably get exempted.  https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2020/05/04/state-rep-wont-wear-mask-because-faces-are-the-likeness-of-god/ Â đŸ˜‘ ugh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 16, 2020 Author Share Posted August 16, 2020 Ohio Governor Dewine has also banned face shields as a substitute for face masks based on the newest studies.  https://www.whio.com/news/students-ohio-prohibited-using-face-shields-substitute-masks/KBKWWB4SKRA3ZOLGZ6VEQQJRAI/   1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 17, 2020 Author Share Posted August 17, 2020 We received confirmation today that school is not going to change their policy. Masks are optional, no explanation given.  1 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCB Posted August 17, 2020 Share Posted August 17, 2020 (edited) On 8/14/2020 at 8:38 PM, rebcoola said:  Basically it's wrong to cover the likeness of God is the only thing I've seen. It doesn't make sense to me but if a denomination jumped on it they could probably get exempted.  https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2020/05/04/state-rep-wont-wear-mask-because-faces-are-the-likeness-of-god/ Maybe he could wear something like this so his likeness isn’t covered lol! https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.interestingengineering.com/a-plastic-indoors-airplane-tent-to-protect-from-the-coronavirus  ETA He sounds like a piece of work and will have much to answer for Edited August 17, 2020 by TCB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted August 17, 2020 Share Posted August 17, 2020 On 8/14/2020 at 9:38 PM, rebcoola said:  Basically it's wrong to cover the likeness of God is the only thing I've seen. It doesn't make sense to me but if a denomination jumped on it they could probably get exempted.  https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2020/05/04/state-rep-wont-wear-mask-because-faces-are-the-likeness-of-god/ I strongly suspect his politics are influencing his reading of holy writ. 8 minutes ago, TCB said: Maybe he could wear something like this so his likeness isn’t covered lol! https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.interestingengineering.com/a-plastic-indoors-airplane-tent-to-protect-from-the-coronavirus Preferably a sound proof one!!! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cintinative Posted August 17, 2020 Share Posted August 17, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, JanOH said: We received confirmation today that school is not going to change their policy. Masks are optional, no explanation given.   I suppose if you wanted to be difficult you could call the local health department. (I probably would) I'm so sorry!! Edited August 17, 2020 by cintinative 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted August 17, 2020 Author Share Posted August 17, 2020 6 minutes ago, cintinative said:  I suppose if you wanted to be difficult you could call the local health department. (I probably would) I'm so sorry!! I've been vocal enough about masks on FB that some would probably figure it out!  We're not sure what to do now. OTOH, my DD has a fever and sore throat today so my two teens were told (rightly) to not go to soccer practice today by the same school. They do have guidelines in place, just not to the extent of the state. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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