One million masks and other personal protective equipment will be provided to students and educators for the start of the school year.
The Louisiana Department of Education announced Wednesday that it is partnering with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and parish emergency management directors to ensure school systems, non-public schools and early childhood centers have the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need.
"It is critically important for us to protect our young people as schools begin to operate in the fall," said GOHSEP Director Jim Waskom in a press release. "Face coverings are an important part of the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are included in a mandate set by Gov. Edwards earlier this month. We are proud to be a part of making these resources available on campuses across the state."
"I'm grateful for this partnership that will help supply our schools with PPE as they begin the important work of educating students," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. "We're in uncharted territory and we need all hands on deck to safely reopen schools."
LDOE says that GOHSEP will provide each school with the following items:
- At least one cloth (reusable/washable) mask for each student and faculty member
- At least 2,000 additional disposal masks for visitors, students or faculty who may forget their mask
- At least three thermometers per school
The LDOE says their collaboration with GOHSEP will also assist schools in meeting the safety standards passed by BESE in July. Bulletin 741 requires that school employees be provided adequate access to hygienic supplies, including soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, disinfectant wipes or spray, paper towels and tissues. Face coverings should also be provided when needed.
School systems will make PPE requests directly to their Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) director and deliveries will be made to system warehouses for school distribution.
School and system leaders can contact LDOECOVID19support@la.gov with questions.
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