Bucks Co. Releases School Reopening Guidelines

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Bucks County health officials have released school reopening guidelines, offering specific safety measures the county’s public school districts should follow as they plan for a fall reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The goal of the guidelines are to plan for a "safe and reasonably normal” reopening, said David Damsker, the director of the Bucks County Health Department.

Earlier this month, the state issued preliminary guidance on the process for reopening schools, which were shut in March as coronavirus case counts increased regionally.

Gov. Tom Wolf has said Pennsylvania elementary and secondary schools in the state's yellow and green phases can resume in-person instruction starting July 1, provided they create an approved safety plan. Bucks County is presently in the yellow phase but is expected to move to the green phase on June 26.

In a three-page letter sent to administrators within the county’s 13 public school districts, Damsker detailed specific safety measures that are recommended be used in classrooms and included as the districts create the state-mandated safety plans for reopening.

Damsker, in the letter, said he is confident creating a reopening plan for in-person classroom instruction can be accomplished effectively.

The county is recommending that students are required to wear masks on buses and "possibly in hallways," but not in classrooms. Students and staff will be required to have a mask with them at all times in case it is needed.

Additionally, a minimum distance of three feet spacing is recommended for classroom seating, and seats should be configured to maximize on social distancing, the county recommends.

Other safety recommendations from the county include:

• Parents and guardians must screen children for symptoms before school each day, as must district staff before leaving for work.
• Masks will be required aboard buses, where up to two students will be allowed to share a seat.
• Staff who not able to socially distance from students in class must wear a mask or face shield.
• Frequent hand-washing or sanitizing, and regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces will be required.
• Ventilation in classrooms and common areas will be enhanced when possible.
• High-traffic hallway use will be limited by staggering the end of classroom periods when feasible, and masks may be required if staggering is not feasible.
• Cafeteria seating will be staggered, and possibly assigned, to enforce social distancing and assist contact tracing if necessary.

None of the recommendations are mandatory, the county confirmed.

The Bucks County Health Department said it will take the lead on any contact tracing, isolation of ill students and staff, and other actions needed to contain infection and spread.

The state-mandated safety plans must be approved by local school boards and posted on the district website before a school reopens. The plans must also be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Since the coronavirus pandemic closed schools in March, Damsker and county Emergency Services Director Scott Forster have been meeting regularly with superintendents to address school health and safety concerns.

“While health and safety considerations are paramount, guidance also is rooted in our understanding and belief that social interaction and in-person instruction is essential to our children’s emotional well-being, as well as their educational growth and advancement,” Damsker wrote.

In the letter, Damsker said the Bucks County Health Department will be adopting an approach that treats COVID-19 similarly to other contagious diseases found in schools, and allows classrooms, schools and district to remain open in the event of a confirmed case of the virus.

“Throughout both the reopening in the fall, and any interscholastic athletic programs starting prior to that time, the Bucks County Health Department will remain your full and committed partner to navigate any changes to this situation, and to make adjustments to the plans if needed,” Damsker’s letter concludes. “As we strive to minimize the overall effects of COVID-19, the health and safety of the entire school community remains our priority.”

You can see specific details on what the state says school safety plans must encompass here.

RELATED: PA School Reopening Plan Released By Gov. Tom Wolf