Hamilton County’s new superintendent talks about students returning during Covid surge
Asks students to wear masks indoors, but not requiring them
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The new Superintendent of Hamilton County Schools is welcoming students back to class on Wednesday after the holiday break.
And he explains the school system’s Covid stance in the midst of another surge.
Dr. Justin Robertson is urging both students and staff to take Covid precautions when they return to class.
“Specifically, we recommend that students and staff wear a mask when indoors, social distance when possible, frequently wash hands to eliminate germs, stay home when you are sick, and reduce risk by getting vaccinated and or boosted. ”
But those are just recommendations, not requirements.
And there is no mention of online learning as an alternative.
“We look forward to a smooth transition in this second semester and will remain focused on doing what is right for students. We are continuing to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic, and cases have risen in the community over the past week. As a district, we continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our students and staff.”
Of course, Tennessee lawmakers have greatly restricted the options that local school systems have now to deal with Covid.
Now, any mandates or classroom closings would have to come from state officials.
The specifics of that new law are still going through the courts.
Here is where that stands now:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee officials are appealing a judge’s order that blocked the state’s new severe limits on when public schools can require masks during the COVID-19 pandemic and its ban against local officials making decisions about quarantines in schools. The state filed its notice of appeal last week in U.S. District Court in Nashville. Judge Waverly Crenshaw blocked the education provisions of the sweeping new law last month while the court case proceeds, saying the law “offers no protection to students, let alone those that are disabled.” The state filed a motion asking the judge to unblock the provisions during the appeal, arguing that the law provides sufficient accommodations under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
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