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Illinois State Board of Education halts mass use of face shields in schools

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SPRINGFIELD–According to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), face shields are no longer an acceptable use of face coverings unless social distance can be maintained. According to a letter, ISBE has been in dialogue with educators regarding the use of face shields instead of masks. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) communicated with ISBE that face coverings and social distancing are the goal.

After IDPH met with its communicable disease team, infection preventionists and infectious disease specialists, it was determined “face shields have not been deemed effective for source control and are only to be used when other methods of protection are not available or appropriate.”

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The letter continued, “In cases where individuals need facial visualization for instruction and communication, IDPH recommends video instruction to promote social distancing. If video instruction is not available or appropriate, face shields may be used with the understanding they have not been deemed effective for source control. As such, heightened attention and adherence to six-foot social distancing is critical for individuals using face shields.”

IDPH and ISBE also addressed individuals who have medical limitations for using face coverings and that if face shields can be tolerated, face shields could be utilized in those situations. ISBE is recommending districts review the information necessary and also review medical limitations for individuals who are not able to wear a covering.

“We understand the difficulty educators face as our FAQ and the joint guidance are updated to reflect best practice,” stated the letter. “However, in this rapidly evolving crisis, we are committed to ensuring that Illinois schools operate under the most current information, guided by science and data.”