With the upcoming school year quickly approaching, many districts are evaluating their plans amid the pandemic.
Today, the Louisiana Department of Education released guidance on how schools across the state can re-open.
The plan, Strong Start 2020 gives an overall look at how districts will handle a number of issues including health requirements, transportation and masks.
The State is looking at three phases: traditional, hybrid or distance learning. Phase one would limit group sizes to 10, including adults. Phase two would limit groups to 25 and phase three would limit groups to 50.
The DOE recommends adults and students from third grade and up wear masks as much as possible in all areas of school.
Schools are encouraged to temperature check students, have more hand washing or sanitizer stations and increase cleaning of high traffic areas. The State also wants districts to make sure they have enough personal protective equipment and proper ventilation in buildings.
If a student becomes sick at school, there will be a cleaning and disinfecting process. The student will be moved to an isolation zone. The DOE says in the event of a presumptive positive or a positive COVID-19 case, health officials will determine any additional measures like closing school.
As for transportation, in phase one, busing would look much different with only 25% capacity. Only one rider per seat, unless multiple members of the same household ride together. An empty seat must be left between riders. Phase two would allow for 50% capacity and phase three would allow for 75% capacity.
The state says schools and districts will have access to additional support through webinars and a hot-line.
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