Families for COVID Safety- Shine a light on COVID in BPS
COVID case numbers are on the rise in Boston Public Schools. There have been outbreaks this fall in at least four schools: Kilmer (14 cases), Manning (17 cases), Orchard Gardens (16 cases) and Curley (46 cases). Documented cases have doubled in the past week and even this is an undercount because only 50% of students are enrolled in regular testing.
Given that families do not have a remote option this year and given the increased infectiousness of the Delta and Omicron variants, COVID safety has to be a top priority in Boston Public Schools. While vaccines are now available for children ages 5 and older, not all children will receive vaccinations, and breakthrough infections still occur among the fully vaccinated. An effective, layered approach is essential in protecting students and staff. By sending emails to BPS and state officials, you can urge them to immediately implement improved COVID safety in six areas:
1) Safety and ventilation, especially during mealtimes.
2) Consistent pooled testing.
3) Prompt and reliable contact tracing in every school.
4) Increase the percentage of students who are vaccinated.
5) Ensure equity in COVID safety efforts.
6) DESE must count all the remote days for any school that has to close because of an outbreak.
Sponsored by
Boston, MA