
Change to Return to School Plan - Masks Required
PCSS families,
As
the number of active cases of COVID-19 continues to rise within our
community, the Putnam County Return to School Plan will now require that
masks be worn at all times when social distancing is not possible while
inside PCSS facilities, including classrooms.
This
decision was made after a meeting between several local pediatricians
and school system administrators to review the PCSS Return to School
Plan as well as receipt of a letter signed by 36 physicians of the Upper
Cumberland Medical Society. During the meeting, Dr. Jim Batson stated,
“We agree that students should return to school, but we believe that
the recommendation to wear masks must be implemented in order to return
safely and following as closely as possible the CDC guidelines.” When
asked about the safety of students with underlying health issues such as
asthma wearing a mask, Dr. Leslie Treece stated, “Especially those
students, should be wearing a mask to provide an additional layer of
protection.” Family Nurse Practitioner Nicole Agbunag also stated,
“Masking seems to be the most effective way to open schools at this time
and remain open long term.” Other medical professionals including CRMC
Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Mark Pierce and CRMC hospitalist Dr. Fabian
Ngido also attended the meeting and strongly recommended that masks
should be worn at all times while inside and social distancing is not
possible. Physicians from all local pediatric offices agree with the
strong recommendation that masks should be worn at all times inside
buildings where social distancing is not possible.
We
understand that this change to our Return to School plan will create an
uncomfortable environment for many students, faculty, and staff members
but we also want to be as safe as possible as we return to school
during the current pandemic. We cannot ignore these strong
recommendations from our local medical providers that are tasked with
treating our students and families and maintaining the health of our
community as a whole. Our hope is that the spread of COVID will slow to a
level within our community where some of these requirements can be
lifted.
Our
goal is always to provide the best education in the safest environment
possible. We ask for the continued support and cooperation of students,
parents, and teachers in this effort.
Thank you,
Corby King
PCSS Director of Schools