When the State Covid-19 Map came out on Friday, November 13, it was not pretty. Fifty-five of the 77 counties reflected a red status. Level Red is achieved when a county has more than 50 cases per 100,000 population. The Oklahoma State Department of Education has published recommendations for all five color-coded levels of risks for Covid-19. Schools were mandated in August to adopt safety protocols for instruction, health, and activities. Plans were written as a working document and are subject to change depending on the data used in determining the color status of the county.
On Friday when the Covid-19 Map was released, TPS Administration collected data including “Kay County Total Pending Cases by City” and “TPS Weekly Covid-19 Case Report.” The cases by city report indicated Tonkawa accounted for less than 9 percent of the total cases in Kay County, the lowest with the exception of Kaw City. In looking at the District numbers, there were no active cases among students or staff members. Thirty-eight students or 4.24 percent were out of school due to close contact. Seven students will return Monday, and 22 on Thursday. It was concluded that TPS could continue in-person school and activities the week of November 16-20, with a few adjustments to protocol.
--TPS will not allow the use of facilities by organizations outside of school sponsored events.
--When traveling, additional buses will be utilized to lessen the number of students on each bus.
--The number of athletes suiting out for competition will be minimized.
--Until further notice, cheerleaders for indoor sports will not travel to away games.
--Concessions will be limited to bottles of water, decreasing the need for removing masks.
--No outside food or drink will be allowed in TPS facilities. In addition, the District is stepping up efforts to keep everyone safe and healthy by asking students and staff to keep masks on during class. “Our students and staff have been diligent in following the Covid-19 protocols. The custodial staff has worked tirelessly to prevent the spread as well. We give all the credit to them in the battle against this pandemic,” states Superintendent Lori Simpson
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