By Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]
All education personnel will be required to be fully immunized or tested at least once a week for the new school year, according to a new order issued by the California Department of Public Health (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 personnel 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 as of 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 such as: vaccine verification for state workers; vaccinations for healthcare 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, an increase of 24 percent compared to the previous two weeks, and a 62 percent increase compared to 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 further stated that today's announcement is an appropriate step to ensure the safety of school communities and to protect students under 12 years of age 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, a significant increase in admissions and deaths in Intensive Care Units due to the delta variant has been observed among people who refused or have chosen not to be vaccinated.
Importantly, COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and free. Unvaccinated Californians 12 years 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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