By Samuetta Hill Drew
Since I started writing articles about the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, it has been almost two years. This new virus ravaged the world like an F5 tornado. Like all other countries, our country was negatively impacted in many ways. Our lives were suddenly disrupted. A new normal is slowly emerging, while the virus continues to evolve with new variants that are more deadly and contagious. Our new normal includes home virus testing, facial masks when out in public, temperature checking before entering certain places and events, and boosters.
Schools are thriving in this new normal. Many schools have reopened and education is still a priority. Schools had to make a pivotal change to balance students’ and employees safety while preparing students for the future. The safety articles will include a Q&A session with three superintendents from the greater Birmingham region to discuss how they balance safety and education within a COVID-19 environment. We will start this week with Dr. Mark Sullivan Ed.D. superintendent of Birmingham City Schools.
Q. Q. How often is this process performed?
A. Birmingham City Schools offers continuous monitoring of COVID-19 cases. Our voluntary testing program allows students and staff to take free tests every week. Additionally, the school district receives a report detailing these numbers. This initiative is managed by the UAB School of Public Health, with support from both the Alabama Department of Health (State Department of Education) and the Alabama Department of Health. Both parents and employees are encouraged by school health to report any issues. The Superintendent receives daily updates from the Nursing Coordinator on all cases in the district.
Q. Q.
A. A. These numbers are used for determining next steps. If the school has too many staff absents in a class or grade level, it can be decided to move to remote learning. These decisions are made public for parents and employees. Since September 2021, Birmingham City Schools has administered more than 12,000 individual test.
Q. Q.
A. Birmingham City Schools is one of the first public schools to require masks for all buildings. We have hosted vaccination clinics throughout our district. We have also encouraged vaccinations. All buildings are regularly cleaned by custodians using an environmentally safe sanitizing agent that kills COVID. Social distancing is required in the school district. Birmingham City Schools is committed to making personal protective equipment (PPE), accessible to all students, employees, and visitors. The District has used a portion of its federal allocation to make PPE readily available. It is currently preparing a plan that will make it more accessible for teachers and other employees.
Q. Q.
A. A. The Nursing Coordinator regularly participates in public health updates with county and state public health leaders. All COVID Conversations Town Hall sessions are attended by the County Health Officer or a representative.
It is crucial that we all Keep an eye on Safety, so we can continue to be safe and secure in our new normal. It is important to keep up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 data, and community recommendations.