More school districts are now require masks inside their buildings to keep the number of close contact absences from climbing.

Goshen Schools will require all students, including middle and high schoolers, to wear masks beginning Thursday, Sep. 9.

Middlebury School students’ mask requirement went into effect on Wednesday.

Warsaw Schools mask mandate begins on Friday, Sep. 10.

The decision in Warsaw was the result of a two-hour meeting to discuss a mask requirement Tuesday. The policy was approved with a vote of 5-1.

The Warsaw Community Schools, which began the new school year mask-optional, have seen 126 positive cases among students and staff so far. As a result, 320 students and staff have had to quarantine due to COVID-19 issues.

An Executive Order from Governor Holcomb last week allowed schools to avoid close contact quarantines if masks are being worn.

This mandate is expected to have an impact in absentee numbers and allow a greater chance to continue in-person schooling.