Shots Or Tests Required For All Prince George's Schools Staff

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — All Prince George's County Public School employees must get the coronavirus vaccine or undergo weekly testing by Aug. 27. The school system announced the decision Friday. Classes start Sept. 8.

About 12,000 PGCPS workers have already gotten the immunization. Staffers will hear more information by Friday about submitting proof of inoculation and getting tests. Anybody who did not get a vaccination card from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should email covid19_vaxcard@co.pg.md.us with their:

• Name
• Address
• Date of birth
• Phone number
• Date of their immunization
• Location of their inoculation

"Like many of you, I am both concerned and disappointed by the rise of the COVID-19 delta variant," school system CEO Monica Goldson said in a video, noting she has already gotten the shot. "As science and data have shown, the best way to protect yourself against this highly contagious and dangerous disease is by getting vaccinated."

(Story continues below tweet)

The CDC previously said immunized residents don't need face coverings indoors or outdoors. On July 27, the agency revised its advice to combat the delta variant. Health officials now urge residents, whether inoculated or not, to mask up "in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission."

Prince George's County falls in the high category, CDC data indicated. Locals can track transmission at this link.

This spike led PGCPS to require masks and reopen applications for online classes. Patch explained all the virtual instruction options in this story.

"Thank you for your understanding and for adhering to this mandate," Goldson added in her vaccine update. "Your health and safety is my priority."

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RELATED:

• Virtual Classes Offered In Prince George's As Delta Variant Rises
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• Masks Required Again In Prince George's; Delta Variant Spreads
• Masks Required For Prince George's Co. Public Schools This Fall

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