At this time, we continue to confer with the Talbot County Health Department (TCHD) on a daily basis and consider the recommendations from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics in determining how to safely reopen schools even when social distancing may not be possible.
Consideration is given to the status of risk transmission rate based on new cases and testing positivity data, number of staff already vaccinated, the percentage of vaccinated people in our local community, and the ongoing precautions we have established.
TCPS will also continue to implement the following mitigation strategies:
Promote frequent hand washing
Enhanced cleaning protocols
Social distancing of 3 foot whenever possible
Self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms
Implement contact tracing and quarantining protocols
With all data and research considered, we plan for a full return to in-person learning in all schools while highly recommending universal masking inside all buildings. This decision will be re-visited on a weekly basis with the hope that we will return to a lower transmission risk rate and achieve a higher vaccination rate in order to eliminate the recommendation for universal masking. Masks will be required for all students and staff on school buses according to the Federal mandate.
Please note the importance of being vaccinated and masked, as anyone who is vaccinated and is identified as a contact of an individual who tests positive will not be required to quarantine unless they experience symptoms. An individual who is unvaccinated and unmasked and is identified as a contact may be required to quarantine for at least 14 days.
Rapid Testing will be available in all schools through a partnership with Choptank Community Health and the Talbot County Health Department.
We appreciate your support and look forward to a successful school year.
Kelly L. Griffith, Ed.D.
Superintendent
