By Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]
All education personnel must be fully immunized or tested at least once a week for a new all-attendance school year, according to a new order issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDEHP).CDPH(see the following table).
"To give parents the confidence that their children are safe as schools return to classroom learning, we urge all school staff to get vaccinated. Vaccinations are the way we will end this pandemic," said state Governor Gavin Newsom.
"As a parent, I look forward to the start of the school year to see all of California's children back in the classroom," he added.
The new policy will go into effect this August 12, and schools must be in full compliance by October 15.
"There is no substitute for in-person instruction, and California will continue to lead the nation in keeping students and educational staff safe while ensuring fully open classrooms," Tomas J. Aragon, CDPH director and State Public Health Officer, said at the time.
He further explained that the order will complement ongoing efforts to increase vaccination rates, similar to orders encouraging state and health care workers and businesses to get inoculated.
In recent weeks, California has implemented measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 including: vaccine verification for state workers; vaccinations for health care workers; universal facemask use in K-12 settings; vaccination incentives; and statewide facemask recommendation.
As of last week, California administered 335,009 new first doses, a 24 percent increase from the previous two weeks, and a 62 percent increase from the week of July 5-July 11.
"Educators want to be in classrooms with their students, and the best way to make sure that happens is to have everyone who is medically eligible vaccinated with robust testing and multi-tiered safety measures," said California Teachers Association President E. Toby. Boyd.
He said today's announcement is an appropriate step to ensure the safety of school communities and to protect students under the age of 12 who are not yet eligible for the vaccine from the Delta variant.
Although California leads the nation in vaccines, with more than 46 million doses administered and more than 77 percent of people with at least one dose, there has been a significant increase in Intensive Care Unit admissions and deaths due to the delta variant among people who refused or have chosen not to be vaccinated.
Importantly, COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and free. Unvaccinated Californians 12 and older can visit myturn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255 to schedule an appointment or visit myturn.ca.gov/clinic to find a walk-in clinic in their county.
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