Hunter
06/26/20
The Iowa Department of Education released their Reopening Guidance for Schools on Thursday, and are not requiring students, faculty and staff to wear face coverings.
The document instructs schools to put plans in place to protect staff and students at higher risk of developing illness “while minimizing disruption of access to educational programs, protecting the confidentiality of students and staff, and preventing discrimination.”
It goes on to say that it’s not necessary to screen students and staff upon entering the building, adding that “one symptom is not necessarily indicative of communicable disease.”
The Department is also not recommending that schools require staff and students to wear face coverings. They will be allowed, but schools are being told to “teach and reinforce the prevention of stigma associated with the use or non-use of facial coverings to support a respectful, inclusive, and supportive school environment. Additionally, the document says that schools “should protect the confidentiality of employees and students/families in their personal health who may or may not wear a face covering.”
Parents are being warned that schools may not be able to guarantee social distancing during the school day.
The DOE also has a provision allowing for school districts to close if there’s an outbreak of COVID-19.
The full document is available at www.educateiowa.gov.