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NMPED Sec. Ryan Stewart and Dr. Scrase are giving an update on bringing kids back to in person learning.
“We know there is no substitute for in person learning. We know that because of the pandemic we're not able to operate the way that we're used to.” -Sec. Stewart
Expansion of in-person learning will include
-implementation of COVID-safe practices
-improving indoor air quality
-procurement/distribution of PPE
-participating in rapid response reporting
-establishing/monitoring watchlist
-providing free testing
-coordinating vaccine rollout
-implementation of COVID-safe practices
-improving indoor air quality
-procurement/distribution of PPE
-participating in rapid response reporting
-establishing/monitoring watchlist
-providing free testing
-coordinating vaccine rollout
Dr. Scrase now talking about the data. “What the science is showing us.”
Why now?
Dr. Scrase showing slide that says risk of infection in schools low upon reopening, and school-based outbreaks increased as the community incidence increased.
Dr. Scrase showing slide that says risk of infection in schools low upon reopening, and school-based outbreaks increased as the community incidence increased.
Dr. Scrase going over gating criteria.
“We are in a good place in the state and also clearly a good place in the schools.”
“We are in a good place in the state and also clearly a good place in the schools.”
“We're going to be good to go here coming up soon.” -Dr. Scrase
Sec. Stewart now talking about what this means specifically for schools across the state. There will be a number of options including an expansion of the hybrid models.
Option 1: Hybrid
All schools-elementary through secondary- are eligible to bring back students in the hybrid model. Districts and schools maintain local control in deterring if/when they will expand to hybrid..
All schools-elementary through secondary- are eligible to bring back students in the hybrid model. Districts and schools maintain local control in deterring if/when they will expand to hybrid..
Hybrid allows schools to divide their student population into at least 2 cohorts, bringing back up to 50% of students at a time. In addition, schools must adhere to the COVID-safe practices (CSPs) outlined in the PED Covid-19 Tool kit.
Schools must abide by tribal public health orders.
Option 2: Remote with small groups
All schools-elementary through secondary- may remain remote and expand in-person small group instruction.
All schools-elementary through secondary- may remain remote and expand in-person small group instruction.
For districts/schools not ready to welcome students into a full hybrid model, they may expand small group instruction al all grades - maintaining cohorts- with up to 50% of students participating at a time.
Option 3: Fewer than 100 students
Districts and/or schools in all counties who have fewer than 100 students participating in in-person learning, are eligible to provide in-person instruction for all students- elementary through secondary- in a 5:1 ratio.
Districts and/or schools in all counties who have fewer than 100 students participating in in-person learning, are eligible to provide in-person instruction for all students- elementary through secondary- in a 5:1 ratio.
“The eligibility date for these three options is Feb. 8."
Next Monday, all schools across the state will have these options.
Next Monday, all schools across the state will have these options.
School Sports (1/2)
“We're going to monitor the impact of this for these first 2 weeks and in collaboration w/ our partners at the DOH and medical advisory team as we make the determination that this expansion is working and…
“We're going to monitor the impact of this for these first 2 weeks and in collaboration w/ our partners at the DOH and medical advisory team as we make the determination that this expansion is working and…
School Sports (2/2)
…that we're not seeing an increase in the spread of COVID due to the work that we're doing. NMAA sanctioned activities may being on Feb. 22.
…that we're not seeing an increase in the spread of COVID due to the work that we're doing. NMAA sanctioned activities may being on Feb. 22.
COVID-19 vaccines (1/2)
-educators and school staff 75 years and older will be eligible to receive their first vaccine prior to Feb. 8
-educators and school staff 75 years and older will be eligible to receive their first vaccine prior to Feb. 8
COVID-19 vaccines (2/2)
-School nurses and school staff working w/ medically fragile students are eligible to register for the vaccine as “healthcare workers” placing them in group 1a
-other educators and school staff are in group 1b, along w/ essential workers.
-School nurses and school staff working w/ medically fragile students are eligible to register for the vaccine as “healthcare workers” placing them in group 1a
-other educators and school staff are in group 1b, along w/ essential workers.
Sec. Stewart reminding everyone- this only works if we're all in this together to ensure we're all adhering to covid safe practices.
If a school experiences 4 rapid responses within a 14 day period necessitating a building-wide closure, that building must remain closed and those students/staff must remain in remote learning for 14 calendar days.
“This has a been a long road, and we know that it has not been easy to adjust to many of the restrictions we've had to put in place because of the pandemic. We see this as an important first step to get more students back into schools.” -Sec. Stewart
“No one is being rushed or forced into this decision early. It is up to them.” -Sec. Stewart
We have team coverage tonight on @KOB4. See you at 10!
