Westchester County officials are taking action to try and stop the rise in coronavirus cases.

There are now more than 1,000 active coronavirus cases in the county. The number has not been that high since the spring.

County Executive George Latimer announced a plan Monday to help end the uptick.

Students and staff at all public and private schools in the county are now required by the county Health Department to wear a mask during in-person classes.

Officials say the goal of the mandate is to slow this spike that's been increasing by the hundreds over the past few weeks.

Officials say there will be exceptions for students with medical issues.

Students will be given mask breaks and can take them off to eat and during vigorous physical activity.

Latimer says enforcement will come from the local level and there will be fines for those who do not comply.

To slow the surging numbers, the county also announced it is asking more county employees to work remotely starting next Monday. If there is still an uptick, 50% of the workforce will be remote.

The county is also evaluating whether youth sports, that are not connected to school districts, need to shut down. A decision has not been made yet.

The order will be signed by the county health commissioner later this week.