With the surge of the Delta, Lambda and Gamma variants that are  highly transmissible COVID-19 variants, some resistant to vaccines and most dangerous among youth to date, and an explosion of cases, hospitalizations and deaths that rival numbers from previous COVID-19 waves, a comprehensive safety action plan must be shared with all, now.

We have paid a heavy price as a community, as a state, as a nation since January 2020. Now is the time for us to use the lessons learnt and apply it to prevent another huge burden on the healthcare system, only this time, the casualties may be our youth and children, as seen in Texas with a shortage of hospital beds in pediatric ICUs

We DEMAND:

1.  Mandated vaccinations - Anyone 12 years of age or older entering a DOE facility, including but not limited to school buildings, should possess proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The unvaccinated, 12 years old and over, must not be allowed entrance in instructional spaces (unless there is a documented medical exemption). 

We believe the state and DOE should seek to utilize schools as vaccination hubs to ensure vaccine equity in underserved communities and to educate about vaccine safety.

2. Mandated masking - Everyone within the premises of a DOE facility must have a mask on at all times, except for eating at proper times. Failure to do so should result in their immediate removal.

3. Heightened COVID Testing and Tracing Protocols - Weekly random testing of 50% of the entire school communities. There must be baseline testing for all students and staff in September. We expect clear, strict and concise procedures in place for quarantine and closing down schools when there is a COVID outbreak. This includes a return to a school-wide 14 day quarantine based on a total threshold of 3 or more positive cases within the school community.  Baseline testing for all those returning from quarantine.

4.Strict adherence to social distancing - There must be strict adherence to at least 3 feet of social distancing at all times at bus stops, in the us, and at school. Distance is subject to increase if authorities deem so. Parents should be made aware of classroom seating charts. CDC approved disinfection mechanisms should be employed everyday in classrooms, offices, cafeterias, bathrooms and common areas. 

5. Proper, Science-Based Ventilation in all DOE facilities- We demand for scientifically proven methods to control and monitor the spread of airborne diseases, including COVID, that include enhanced ventilation with outdoor air, and high efficiency filtration. Sites must be inspected and certified by a board certified industrial hygienist before anyone is allowed in the facility. In addition, it is recommended that we have high efficiency air purifiers in common areas such as cafeterias. 

6. A Remote Option - A remote learning option for all parents/guardians that want to opt for one.

7. Increased transparency, tracking capability and reliability in COVID-19 data reporting - We demand an updated COVID-19 state wide dashboard that is more transparent, meaningful and reliable in its data reporting of COVID-19 incident cases, hospitalizations and deaths that tracks over 90 day intervals and shows vaccination rates.