LOWELLVILLE, Ohio - Students, staff, and people who visit another Valley school district are being required to wear masks.

An  “all-call” message sent Tuesday by Lowellville Superintendent Geno Thomas stated that due to an increase of COVID-19 cases and quarantines in the district, as well as statewide, a mask mandate has been issued during the school day for all students, staff, and visitors.

The mandate went into effect on Wednesday.

The district’s website reported that as of Tuesday there were thirteen active student cases and three active cases among staff.

Nineteen students and three staff members are under quarantine.

Thomas says when the case numbers decrease, the district will return to a mask-optional policy.