Collier County Public schools requires double-layered masks

Collier County Public Schools says all face coverings should be a minimum of two layers.

Masks have become the norm in school, but now the school district wants to see them doubled up.

The school district received guidance from local medical experts and the department of health that masks with two layers are best for stopping the spread.

Most masks already have multiple layers. But if a child wears a buff around their neck, they’ll have to make sure that’s doubled up.

Ana Olvera, a freshman at Golden Gate High School, can see it from her computer when she tunes into classrooms virtually.

“I see that everyone has their masks on,” Olvera said. “No one has them off.”

Dr. Rebekah Bernard, the president of Collier County Medical Society, says it’s a positive safety measure.

“That’s going to give you the best opportunity to decrease transmission of any respiratory droplets or any kind of aerosol contamination,” Bernard said.

“It’s a double layer, so when you pull it apart, you can actually see the two different layers that are a part of it,” said Robert Hawkes, the founder of the FGCU physician assistant program.

Experts told us most masks are already made with multiple layers; however, buffs, the cloth coverings that can be pulled up from the neck, must be doubled for full protection.

“Those can be very thin and they are almost see-through, so they’ve determined, at least through scientific research, that some of these devices don’t really stop the air droplets from passing through,” Hawkes said.

Even though double the coverage may not be the most comfortable…

“Having it on for six hours is already hard enough,” said Martlie Pierrer, a junior at Barron Collier High School

Students say they will do anything to keep themselves and those around them safe.

“I’m just trying to keep me and my family safe, so as long as they are doing it for the right reasons, I don’t have any complaints,” Pierre said.

“They are heading in the right direction,” Olvera said.

The School District of Lee County told us it has always required double layered face coverings.

Charlotte County Public Schools says its working closely with the health department to determine the safest options.