TARRANT COUNTY (WBAP/KLIF)- The Tarrant County Public Health Director issues new guidance for Tarrant County schools.
Tarrant County Public Health Director Vinny Taneja said looking at the data, all of the county’s Covid-19 key indicators are trending up, including hospitalizations.
“At this rate, schools should be preparing to make the switch to virtual learning,” said Taneja. “This is not binding in any means but it is what the data is showing us…and the data is showing us that it’s better to do virtually learning now instead of waiting for an outbreak,” he said.
Taneja said there are over 1,000 cases among Tarrant County schools, a 33% increase from the week before.
Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley said it’s up to the specific school districts to make the decision. “There’s no question in my mind, they’re doing what they think is best,” he said. Whitley said.
Fort Worth ISD says they are implementing a virtual and in person hybrid model and can switch at any time the board believes that’s the best option.
“Today is our third “first day” of school. We opened completely virtual on September 8. We invited PreK, K, 1, 6, (some 7) and 9 grade students to return to school if they wanted to on October 5. Today, grades, 2, 3, 7 and 10 were eligible to return for in-person learning. Next Monday is scheduled to see a full schedule of in-person and virtual class for elementary and middle schools as well as the start of the hybrid cohort model for high schools.We are very aware of the extent of the virus in our community. Since October 5 we have had a live student and staff COVID report on our website to help families make important decisions.
We are maintaining the in-person and virtual models and can switch at any time the Board believes that to be in the best interest of our children and employees,” the district said in statement sent to WBAP/KLIF.
In another statement, Arlington ISD said they will continue to consult with local health experts.
“Today, we learned that Tarrant County Public Health recommended that all Tarrant County schools return to virtual learning. From the beginning of the pandemic, we have engaged our public health officials in every decision made on behalf of our students, staff and community. Learning this news today, we will continue to consult with our local health experts to review all of our safety protocols to ensure individuals on our campuses are as safe as possible,” the district said.
