Acting Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan said the absence of one of these layers should not stop schools from fully reopening. Still, all districts should be prepared to offer virtual learning should there be a localized coronavirus outbreak in a school.
Allen-McMillan said districts should actively promote the vaccine to all eligible students and staff.
Physical distancing and avoiding group seating is recommended, especially for younger students who are not fully vaccinated, but only to the extent possible. Self-service in cafeterias is discouraged and schools should stagger lunch times, said Allen-McMillan.
Should a student or staff member show virus symptoms, they should be tested for COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status.
If a local health department recommends a school close for more than three consecutive days, remote learning can count to the district’s 180-day learning requirement.
“We reserve the right depending on what the virus does or what the CDC pronounces to revisit some of this,” said Murphy. “But we wanted to make sure we gave folks as long a runway as possible.”