Health department issues guidance for K-12 schools in St. Joseph County

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The St. Joseph County Health Department is recommending local K-12 schools follow the CDC's guidance and ask students and staff to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

The recommendation is from both the CDC and the Indiana Department of Health.

The current case rate in St. Joseph County is 84 cases per 100,000 residents, which the CDC defines as substantial transmission.

The health department says the vaccination rate in the county and the K-12 population also affected their recommendation.

Those under the age of 12 are not eligible for the vaccine. Of those students who are within the 12-18 year age range, only 25% are fully vaccinated.

Health officials are also recommending schools follow the CDC recommendations for physical distancing, contact tracing, testing, quarantine and isolation.

Click here to view the CDC transmission map

Click here to view the CDC's recommendations for K-12 schools.