The Clay County Public Health Center released a Full Opening Guidance for Schools today. It’s a seven page document that was created as a resource for administrators to safely return to full onsite learning in Clay County.

*Secondary schools could open up for in-person learning as early as March 22 - Kearney School District Superintendent Dr. Matthew Miller*

“School districts may consider returning to on site learning for 3, 4, or 5 days per week, provided in-school transmission rates remains low, community transmission remains below 100 new cases per 100,000 population over the course of 7 days, and schools are able to successfully implement active mitigation measures,” states the document.

The document outlines procedures for data-informed decision making for school administrators. Those administrators working with health center staff, should assess the level of risk in the community since the risk of introduction of a case in the school setting is dependent on the level of community transmission.

The document also outlines the updated CDC guidelines for return to learning for elementary, middle school and high school, as well as activities and athletic groups. It gives recommendations of how each level of school should implement and maintain mitigation strategies like face coverings and distancing standards.

In a video released on February 26, Kearney School District Superintendent Dr. Matthew Miller expressed hope for students and staff to return to full capacity in-person learning very soon. “COVID cases continue to trend positively, vaccination news is highly encouraging, and health departments have recognized improved conditions and have updated guidance for business and gatherings,” he stated.

Miller said there is much work to be done before students can get back in-person learning including logistics with bussing, meals, scheduling and lesson plans. In a Zoom meeting Miller stated that secondary schools could open up for in-person learning as early as March 22, but may be pushed to March 29 to allow more time for the district to be ready for students and staff to interact full-time.

A copy of the health center document can be found here.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story