Most Recent Update
May 18, 2021
In our correspondence this past Friday (5/14/2021), it was noted that we were seeking clarifying information from the PA Department of Education (PDE) regarding the requirement for mask wearing – given the recent statement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allowing fully vaccinated people to “resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”
The PDE, in collaboration with the PA Department of Health (PA DOH), provided school districts with their recommendation Friday evening:
“Because most K-12 students in Pennsylvania are not vaccinated and only a few weeks remain in the 2020-21 school year, PDE recommends school entities continue to follow their current mitigation strategies. Remaining consistent in approach will help to ensure the safety and well-being of school communities while minimizing disruptions that may result from significant revisions to existing plans and systems. As a reminder, school entities may implement stricter mitigation strategies than otherwise required by law, rule, and regulations.”
This past weekend, the CDC also provided further guidance about mask wearing, stating that “schools [should] continue to use the COVID-19 prevention strategies outlined in the current version of CDC’s Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools for at least the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic school year.”
Therefore, based on the recommendations from the PDE/DOH, CDC, district solicitor, and the district physician, we will continue to implement our current mitigation efforts through the remainder of the school year (June 4).
Thank you for your support as we work through the remaining days of the school year. We remain optimistic that the next school year will bring more “normalcy” to the educational process.
March 3, 2021
Pennsylvania State Travel Restrictions Lifted
On March 1st, the Governor announced the expiration of the out-of-state travel restrictions, which was put in place in November 2020 to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Students and staff are no longer required to produce a negative COVID test upon return from out-of-state travel, nor are students and staff required to quarantine after traveling.
In November, the purpose of the mandate was to limit travel and contact with those who do not reside in your household. We encourage everyone to continue to be cautious as it relates to helping to control the spread of COVID-19. Wearing a mask, engaging in appropriate social distancing, and exercising caution when traveling are all behaviors we can control when doing our part to keep our community safe.
Revised Occupancy Limits for Events
Also yesterday, the Governor announced a revised maximum occupancy limits for indoor and outdoor events.
- Revised maximum occupancy limits for indoor events to allow for 15% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. The 15% of maximum occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement. Masks, social distancing, and hand hygiene still must be enforced.
- Revised maximum occupancy limits for outdoor events to allow for 20% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. The 20% of maximum occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement. Masks, social distancing, and hand hygiene still must be enforced.
The district will continue to review the revised mitigation orders and how this may affect the events to be held within the school district. We will continue to update families as information is ready to be shared.
