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Cooper's briefing on #schoolreentry during #COVID19 is starting now. #NCed https://twitter.com/NC_Governor/status/1283113132647501824
Schools will be open for in-person and remote learning with key precautions to keep students and staff safe. This approach aligns to Plan B. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
LEAs will provide remote options for students who want/need that option. Districts have the option to choose to go to Plan C. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Face coverings required for every student, teacher, and staff member from K-12. State will provide at least 5 reusable face coverings for every student, teacher, and staff member. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Schools are required to limit the total number of people in the school building. Districts/schools can use a plan for them - alternating days, weeks, or other strategies. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Sympton screenings will take place daily. Schedules must have time for regular handwashing and cleaning. Sharing of classroom items will be limited. Outside visitors will be limited. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Plan B is the baseline for the state, though districts CAN choose Plan C (all remote learning) if that's what is best for their students/families. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Governor shares that there is risk in returning to school as well as risk in staying out of school. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Cooper asks superintendents and other decision-makers to listen to teachers and staff while making reopening plans. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
North Carolina will continue to stay in Phase 2 for there more weeks starting July 17. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Cooper says the easiest way to ensure students can get back into the classroom and stay in the classroom is to #wearamask. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Dr. Cohen sharing about key metrics now. Trends are similar to last week. Take a look at the #COVID19 Dashboard with @ncdhhs here: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard #NCed #schoolreentry
Dr. Cohen says children are less likely to get #COVID19 & are less likely to have severe symptoms than adults. They're also less likely to spread it to others, particularly for younger, elementary children. She says schools are a lower transmission setting. #NCed #schoolreentry
She goes on, stating that even though schools are lower transmission settings, it's still important to mitigate risks, hence the call for all students and staff to wear cloth face coverings & maintain 6' distance. #NCed #schoolreentry #COVID19
No school districts can choose Plan A, though they can choose Plan C. Remember, like the Governor said, Plan B is the baseline & districts can be more conservative. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Davis says that all Board members agree that the best place for all students to learn and all teachers to teach is in a *safe* learning environment. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Davis: "Regardless of how we feel about #COVID19, our students, teachers, and staff need us to lead by wearing our mask, washing our hands, and staying 6 feet apart so they can return to school." #NCed #schoolreentry
Educators must be fully involved in this process of #schoolreentry. No one else understands the intricacies of schools and caring for students than teachers. #NCed #COVID19
Davis says over $390M have been distributed to districts for #schoolreentry, though schools need more. He says the federal government must "close the gap" between decreasing state revenues and increased needs. #NCed #COVID19
Davis highlights Durham, Robeson, and Winston-Salem/Forsyth for prioritizing bringing elementary students back to school. Also notes that several districts are offering virtual options for students/families if that's what they need. #NCed #schoolreentry #COVID19
Dr. Teresa Flynn, a pediatrician, now sharing in Spanish during the press conference. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
She says the AAP's guidance stresses that students returning to school should happen under careful measures to keep people safe and with flexibility. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Cooper taking questions now - sorry y'all, missed everything from that first one!
What's the plan/guidance for those who may contract #COVID19 in a face-to-face school setting?
Cooper says there are health guidelines with protocols stating what schools will do. He turns it over to Dr. Cohen. #NCed #schoolreentry
Cooper says there are health guidelines with protocols stating what schools will do. He turns it over to Dr. Cohen. #NCed #schoolreentry
Cohen: We've sent detailed protocols to schools. One requirement going F2F is screening every single day for Ss/Ts. Many protocols are based on various scenarios. Most important is for schools to get in touch w/ local health department. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Question about the president withholding funds for not returning F2F. What financial resources may be withheld? With 28 days before IHEs like UNC & NCSU return, what's the plan for them?
Cooper: We don't respond to those threats. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Cooper: We don't respond to those threats. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Consulting with health officials and #highered officials right now. Cohen shares that NCDHHS has collaborated with IHEs and are working on protocols, getting feedback. Additional guidance will be released soon. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Cooper says Plan B will cost schools more & not less - state needs to do better w/ salaries for Ts & school support personnel. Cooper wants to work w/ NCGA on ADM, salary increases, additional money to implement protocols - we have to invest more. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
What do we know about availability of teachers/school employees?
Cooper says he knows there are Ts in high risk category. Encouraging LEAs to work w/ those Ts. There will be #remotelearning happening in Plan B, so Ts will need to engage that way. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Cooper says he knows there are Ts in high risk category. Encouraging LEAs to work w/ those Ts. There will be #remotelearning happening in Plan B, so Ts will need to engage that way. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
A follow-up: Any numbers about % of Ts who won't return in person or employees w/o remote options (e.g., bus drivers)?
Cooper says that's a concern. Unsure about exact numbers, turns it over to Chairman Davis. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Cooper says that's a concern. Unsure about exact numbers, turns it over to Chairman Davis. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Davis: LEAs are conducting interviews & surveys w/ staff & how to respond to those needs. Anticipate that some Ts & staff membesr won't be able to return F2F. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Cooper reiterates that they're encouraging LEAs to have conversations w/ Ts and support staff to make sure #schoolreentry can be a success. #NCed #COVID19
Decision to not make different decisions between ES, MS, and HS?
Cooper says some of these decisions are up to LEAs and many have started the process as mentioned, keeping HS students on a #remotelearning path. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Cooper says some of these decisions are up to LEAs and many have started the process as mentioned, keeping HS students on a #remotelearning path. #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
Sorry y'all, I have to jump off to another meeting - keep listening to the Q&A session if you can/are interested! #NCed #COVID19 #schoolreentry
