In response to an alarming spike in the number of students who have been diagnosed with a rare and deadly virus, Chicago Public Schools has announced changes to its attendance policy. Covid-19 cases are alarming as students are now going home for the winter break. Parents may need to prepare themselves for remote learning to ensure their children’s health
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Changes With Quarantine Policy And How It Will Affect The Situation
As CDC shortens the required quarantine for people tested positive, more people will be going back to their communities. Schools expect an influx of these people and are making some changes now that online learning is becoming more common. CPS is asking parents who may have children with Covid-19 symptoms to keep them at home from 10 to 5 days even if they have been tested and found to be negative.
Parents and students are being asked to bring their at-home test kits to labs as soon as possible. People who have received their vaccinations or their booster won’t need to be quarantined. Despite the current situation and surge of new cases, public schools are standing on their decisions to resume all classes.
While this global pandemic affects the population, the U.S is looking forward to a new start at school with heightened optimism and hope. As a parent with kids returning to school this year, you can help to keep your community healthy by following these guidelines:
- Covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough
- Washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60% to 95% alcohol
- Staying home if you are sick
- Keeping your kids home if they have symptoms of Covid-19
- Telling everyone in the household about what to do when someone has Covid-19
- Take care of yourself, so you don’t get sick and spread the virus to others.
As soon as possible, you should take your child’s temperature twice a day and monitor for any other symptoms. If you feel that your child is getting worse, please seek medical attention right away. You can also speak with a Chicago injury lawyer to assist. Schools are making changes, but it is ultimately up to the parents to keep their children safe and healthy.
Remote learning may be implemented in the first week of January where cases are higher and ensure no students are left behind.
There will be a special meeting in January to address the issue and make sure all changes have been implemented by then. A new committee has been created at CPS to enforce policies that work for both teachers and principals regarding remote learning because it can cause issues with grading, attendance records, and accessibility for students and families.
While students’ mental health is a priority, the school administration also wants to make sure that students’ learning is updated and provide a more conservative approach based on the situation and the surge in cases, especially in areas with low vaccination rates.
How Does Covid-19 Reshape The Education
While this pandemic continues to affect our lives, the educational system also feels pressure. States and school districts across the country are changing how they operate to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chicago schools are no different, announcing several changes this week that will impact students and staff.
CDC encourages all parents and students to get vaccinated or receive their boosters, which has been the best protection against Covid-19. However, it is not always easy to get this done promptly.
At-home test kits are now distributed to all parents and students to help them test their environment for the presence of Covid-19. The more these kits are used, the sooner we can identify where this pandemic is active in our community.
As new variants of the virus continue to emerge, our school system and community must remain vigilant. By working together, we can ensure the safety of all those who live in Chicago.
What To Expect During the Holidays As New Covid Variants Emerge
The government and health industry continues to warn us of the dangers of Covid-19 infection. While we can protect ourselves from contracting these viruses, it is important to remember they will not go away overnight, and diseases lurk in our environment, ready to strike when we least expect them.
The holiday season comes with its own unique set of risks here in Chicago and across the country. The holidays are a time of celebrating with friends, family, and loved ones but also means an influx of people traveling across the city to get there.
If you are planning a trip over the holidays, it is also essential to keep your vaccinations updated so that they protect against Covid-19 as well as other viruses. We can help prevent exposure during our time away from home by taking these steps.
Final Words
Whether your child is going back to school by January or still on remote learning, ensure to follow new health guidelines and protocols set by CPS. That way, you can protect your family and the community and prevent the spread of the virus.
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