TULSA, Okla. — According to Tulsa Public Schools, they have still have approximately 17,200 children in their system who are not yet eligible for vaccination.
They will continue to work with the Tulsa Health Department to closely monitor health conditions and their impact on schools and safety.
According to TPS, their expectation is that every adult and student - regardless of vaccination status - wears a mask at all times indoors and outdoors when in the presence of others.
Also, masks will be required on all Tulsa Public Schools buses, according to TPS.
Here is the portion of the letter from Superintendent Deborah Gist:
Tulsa Public Schools is following the local data about the COVID-19 Delta variant closely.The Delta variant requires our attention: it is highly transmissible and more infectious for youth. It is important to remember that while the COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone age 12 and older, we still have approximately 17,200 children in our system who are not yet eligible for vaccination. We will continue to work with the Tulsa Health Department to closely monitor health conditions and their impact on schools and safety.
The letter continues to state that TPS is returning to in-person teaching and learning five days a week. Due to this, they are implementing the following safety protocols:
Masking
- Every adult and student - regardless of vaccination status - has to wear a mask at all times indoors and outdoors when in the presence of others while they are in a TPS building or bus transportation.
Vaccination
- TPS is following the CDC’s recommendation that all children ages 12 and older be vaccinated for COVID-19 before returning to school and strongly encourage parents to take advantage of the city’s many resources for free vaccinations.
Additional Safety Measures
- Hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations will be available at all sites; disinfectant cleaner and wipes will be placed in classrooms, and custodians will continue the use of electrostatic sprayers in our buildings.
- TPS is continuing the contact tracing and notification process and recommended quarantine periods.
- TPS will also offer COVID-19 rapid-testing for all students in grades pre-K-12 and all staff who have opted-in to the program. Click here for more information about our rapid testing program.
- The school district at this time is limiting non-staff visitor access to our buildings. Tulsa Virtual Academy will be the only full-time distance learning option for families. In the event of a classroom or school quarantine or closure, students will engage in temporary distance learning.
The letter finishes that TPS as a whole is continuing the monitor the rising COVID cases in the area and how that will impact the 2021-2022 school year.
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