Posted:
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
The New York State Department of Education came out with updated guidance and there are many important aspects that will affect our district's planning for the reopening of schools. The guidance stated under the Reopening Plan Mandatory Requirements (Page 18), "District/school plan has written protocol detailing how the district/school will provide accommodations to all students and staff who are at high risk or live with a person at high risk."
That document (Page 30) further details who may qualify as a high risk person under the Medically Vulnerable/High-Risk Group category. I've listed this below.
Medically Vulnerable/High-Risk Groups
The following groups are at increased risk for complications from COVID-19 and may need added or alternative provisions for social distancing. Students who have family members who are in high risk groups may also need to attend school remotely. Schools will need to make accommodations and be able to accommodate the needs of these students in the school community.
Persons in these groups should consult with their healthcare provider regarding prevention:
- Individuals age 65 or older;
- Pregnant individuals;
Individuals with underlying health conditions including, but not limited to:
- chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
- serious heart conditions
- immunocompromised
- severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher)
- diabetes
- chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
- liver disease
- sickle cell anemia
- children who are medically complex, who have neurologic, genetic, metabolic conditions, or who have congenital heart disease are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 than other children
In order to best advocate and support our members through this very difficult time, we would like you to please click the link below and complete our survey. The identity of those who fill it out is NOT RECORDED, this survey is absolutely anonymous. We need this data to help the district design plans that will help support our students and staff if schools are open and we return to the buildings, so please take the survey right away. The BTA is focused and determined to advocate for your rights and create the safest environment for all. The survey is 3 short questions that will take less than a minute to complete. Please complete this survey by Friday July 31st at 3 PM.