The Iberia Parish School System will continue with its plans for reopening schools.
Earlier this week, the governor issued an order that modified some mitigation measures aimed at slowing the current rise in COVID cases in Louisiana. It wasn't clear that day what impact the changes would have on schools.
Today, Iberia Parish officials say they've reviewed the order and the parish's numbers and will continue on with the plans they have in place.
Today, the state reported that there were 3,671 cases of COVID so far in Iberia Parish; 68 of them reported since Wednesday. Also since Wednesday, one parish resident has died of the virus. For the week of November 5 through 11, the percent of tests that were positive were 11.3 percent; for the week of November 12 through 18 that percent had dropped to 8.7.
Here's the full statement:
As per the Governor’s proclamation of November 24, 2020, Louisiana will enter a modified Phase 2 COVID-19 status. However, according to the proclamation, “Local Educational Agencies may continue to follow the Phase 3 Minimum Requirements for Reopening School Facilities promulgated by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.” Also, the Iberia Parish positivity rate decreased last week. Therefore, with consultation from the Regional Louisiana Department of Health, the Iberia Parish School District will continue with its current school operating plan on Monday, November 30, 2020. The district staff and school personnel will assess the situation using hard data to determine if changes need to be made. All safety routines will remain in place and closely monitored.
