We are shocked and disappointed to read in a June 26, 2020, email announcement from the IUSD Superintendent that "face coverings, including face shields, are recommended but not required" upon the reopening of schools this upcoming academic year.

The California Department of Public Health, in a statement issued June 18, 2020, requires use of face coverings "inside of, or in line to enter, any indoor public space," except under a narrow range of specific individual exceptions.  We were thus very surprised to see that Irvine Unified School District intends to violate this requirement.

We strongly urge IUSD to send out a clarifying message indicating that IUSD schools will follow recommendations of associations of medical professionals, including the Orange County Medical Association and the California Department of Public Health, and remain in line with current state regulations. Namely, that unless and until required use of face coverings "inside of, or in line to enter, any indoor public space," are changed, face coverings will be required in IUSD indoor spaces except for individuals who meet the exceptions.

We are all anxious to send our children back to school. But we want to do so in a way that protects their health and safety, the health and safety of school teachers and staff, and the health and safety of the community. Tokyo, one of the largest and most crowded cities in the world, has been able to reopen all of its schools safely by requiring mask use while maintaining one of the lowest rates of coronavirus infection in the world. We should strive for no less in Irvine, especially because the state mandates it.