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As COVID-19 cases rise and the beginning of the school year approaches, Douglas County leaders are expressing interest in potential mask requirements for children who are not yet eligible for vaccination.

During its meeting Wednesday, the Douglas County Commission discussed the current levels of cases and hospitalizations with local health leaders and other Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health staff. Commissioners expressed concerns that not all school districts in Douglas County were requiring masks and indicated that they would be supportive of a health order requiring masks for children ages 2 to 12 in public, which would include schools. Commissioners specified that age group because it represents children who are recommended to wear masks and who are also not eligible for vaccination.

The Lawrence school district announced last month that it would require masks next school year, but several parents from the Baldwin City school district expressed concern Wednesday that their district was not doing so.

County Administrator Sarah Plinsky said health officials could discuss a potential health order regarding masks and that a recommendation could be brought to the commission at its meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 18.