Mask, Vaccinations Key As PG County Preps For In-Person Schooling

Bowie MD

22 August, 2021

7:35 PM

Description

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Universal mask-wearing, widespread COVID-19 vaccination, and strict cleaning and testing protocols are the keys to safe in-person learning when Prince George's County Public Schools open Sept. 8, officials said in a letter to families last week. Dr. Monica Goldson, chief executive officer of the school system, said those measure will help protect students, staff and visitors in the 2021-22 school year. Here are the safeguards she stressed. Health and Safety All employees are required to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing, and the district strongly encourages all students ages 12 and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Families should also ensure children are up-to-date with required immunizations. Families should perform daily health checks using the Frontline Education mobile app, which will minimize people who are sick from entering PGCPS buildings. Buildings will be thoroughly cleaned using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-approved disinfectants at the end of every school day. Building airflow will be improvedby opening classroom windows, running exhaust fans before/after occupancy and increasing HVAC hours of operation. MERV-13 filters have been installed in HVAC systems per CDC guidelines. Related: Shots Or Tests Required For All Prince George's Schools Staff Social Distancing At least 3 feet of social distancing will be maintained in classrooms and other areas where possible. Visitors must make an appointment with the school before arrival and will be required to practice social distancing. Conferences with parents and other meetings that do not need to be held in-person will be held virtually to limit the number of visitors entering school buildings. COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine Schools will provide written notification to families and staff following exposure to a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case. If there is a confirmed COVID-19 case at a school or in a classroom, the infected individual will be required to quarantine at home for at least 10 days and be symptom-free before returning. Students and employees who were in close contact with the individual must quarantine for at least 10 days if not fully vaccinated; fully vaccinated individuals do not need to quarantine, but should monitor for symptoms for 14 days. If a single positive case of COVID-19 is confirmed, PGCPS will close the exposed area of the facility. If multiple positive cases of COVID-19 are confirmed within three days (minimum), PGCPS will close the entire facility to clean and sanitize all areas. Transportation and Meals Face masks are required while riding the school bus. To improve airflow, windows may be open to the maximum extent possible when weather permits. Buses will be cleaned and sanitized at the conclusion of each run, in between morning and afternoon routes and at the conclusion of the day. Breakfast and lunch will be served in the cafeteria or in designated areas determined by school administration. Elementary schools participating in Maryland Meals for Achievement Classroom Breakfast Program will have breakfast delivered to the classroom. Weather and space permitting, meals may be taken outside. Principals will develop procedures based on space availability. Back to School Website and Town Hall The district launched a back-to-school website with the information families need, or visit your school's website for information. On Wednesday, Aug. 25, a Back-to-School telephone town hall will be held at 6 p.m. to learn more about the district's plans. Families will automatically get a phone call from the school system at 6 p.m. If you do not get a call, dial 844-734-8766 to join the town hall. The Spanish simultaneous interpretation line will be 508-924-5155. For additional information, visit the PGCPS website. Related: Third Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccines Available For Immunocompromised