HISD Statement On Safety Protocols
Style Magazine Newswire | 10/27/2020, 11:58 a.m.
HISD Media Statement
Implementation of strong safety protocols for students and staff during face-to-face instruction remains the top priority in the Houston Independent School District. After continued review and guidance from health and education officials, HISD is updating its process for moving between COVID-19 Gauge levels to ensure multiple metrics are considered, including from both the Harris County Public Health Department and the Houston Health Department, as well as an ongoing assessment of reported cases and data trends in our district.
This data will be reviewed in conjunction with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HISD Communicable Disease Plan, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, as well as input from the Greater Houston Partnership, Texas Department of State Health Services, and the requirements of the Texas Education Agency. This process better aligns with our goal to review all available data so that we can make the best and most informed decisions regarding the health and safety of our students and staff.
Based on this process, we will continue to remain at COVID Gauge Level 2: Orange, indicating a significant and uncontrolled level of COVID-19 in the community as determined by local health officials. As a precautionary measure, we have asked the Houston Health Department to conduct site safety assessments of district campuses. Any identified safety issues with be addressed immediately. We also will continue to operate under enhanced health and safety protocols as outlined in the district’s Communicable Disease Plan. Additionally, the HISD COVID-19 Dashboard is being updated to report both cumulative cases as well as active cases reported in the last 14 days.
We know strict adherence to safety protocols in schools and facilities is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19. We thank all principals, teachers and other staff members for their cooperation and support in enforcing these protocols. We are confident that if we work together and adhere to outlined safety measures, schools will be safer and productive academic instruction will continue to occur. As we navigate this pandemic together, the health, safety and well-being of students and staff remains at the forefront of all decision-making. We are regularly re-evaluating and updating our practices and protocols to improve the safety of our schools.