Montgomery County’s Department of Health releases recommendation on masking at schools

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Abington , Cheltenham , Jenkintown , Springfield | Coronavirus Coverage , Education , Local News

July 26th, 2021 | By Kevin Tierney

The Montgomery County Office of Public Health (MCOPH) announced today its recommendations for COVID-19 prevention in schools (kindergarten through 12th) for the 2021-2022 school year. According to the announcement, MCOPH developed the recommendation with the superintendents in the county.

“The health and safety of our students, teachers, and staff, and ensuring our kids get the instruction they need, are top priorities heading into the school year. These recommendations from the Montgomery County Office of Public Health are intended to give School Boards, Superintendents, and parents guidance so they can make the best decisions for their communities and their families,” said Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “This guidance supports in-person education, is based on the most current and accurate data available, and stresses the importance of vaccination for those who are eligible along with a multi-layered prevention strategy.”

The school recommendations include four levels of guidance for masking and COVID-19 testing based on the school district level of community transmission. Note that its “school district level,” so districts throughout the county could be at different transmission levels at any given time.

You can view the chart in a larger format here.

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As of July 15th, the Abington School District falls within the low level of transmission. The districtwide incidence rate (per 100k) is 5.6 and the districtwide 14-day positivity rate is 1.6%.

As of July 15th, the Cheltenham School District falls within the low level of transmission. The districtwide incidence rate (per 100k) is 8.08 and the districtwide 14-day positivity rate is 1.1%.

As of July 15th, the Jenkintown School District falls within the low level of transmission. The districtwide incidence rate (per 100k) is zero and the districtwide 14-day positivity rate is zero percent.

As of July 15th, the Springfield School District falls within the low level of transmission. The districtwide incidence rate (per 100k) is 5.09 and the districtwide 14-day positivity rate is 1.5%.

The county is now offering this data here.

The full set of recommendations for schools released by the county can be found here.