New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta and Johnson City Teachers Association President Mark Buza have issued the following joint statement regarding the COVID-19 outbreak in the Johnson City Central School District:
“The threat of COVID-19 spread throughout a school community is very real — as evidenced by these recent cases — which is why NYSUT and our local affiliates have called for very clear policies aimed at preventing spread in the first place. That includes procedures for an immediate 14-day shutdown of a school building in the event of a COVID-19 case in that particular building, accompanied by clear testing, contact tracing and quarantining protocols. What’s more, we have called for a mandatory mask policy that would require face coverings at all times during the school day, which, to its credit, Johnson City has included in its reopening plan. But just having a plan isn’t enough. We need real enforcement of these kinds of policies and to always be erring on the side of caution. We wish those who have been infected a speedy recovery and want to make clear that our work is ongoing with education and health officials at the local and state levels. Health and safety must continue to be at the forefront of every decision related to reopening school buildings.”
The district posted on it Twitter account that it recently acquired 4 thermal temperature-taking devices for the elemementary, middle and high school. The device will quickly take your temperature before you may proceed into the building. As a bonus, it won’t take your temperature if you are not wearing a mask. All schools are being deep-cleaned before students return to classroom on September 14.
