Public schools in Montgomery County, Maryland, are asking parents to test positive for the virus over winter break.
The public school system said the request will help them to reopen schools on Jan. 3.
Maintaining a safe environment when we return to school on Jan. 3 means knowing and responding to positive student cases. If your child does test positive for COVID-19 during winter break, please report that to MCPS using this form:
— MCPS (@MCPS)
Monifa McKnight, the school system’s interim superintendent, said she was doing everything in her power “to keep our school system open for our students,” during a news briefing on Dec. 20.
The announcement brought mixed reviews, with some parents saying the move to return to in-person classes is irresponsible. Other parents advocated for a buffer period of temporary virtual classes after winter break.
It also means switching to virtual school for January if we want our kids to remain safe. Omicron is a highly contagious and transmittable virus. Omicron in combination with the recent gatherings and travel, is going to spread like wild fire. Please keep our children safe!
— Heather (@BFMLlama)
Last February, dozens of students and parents protested the phased reopening plan of Montgomery County schools in cold temperatures.
Still, some welcomed the decision.
Really grateful that has committed to keeping schools open. I’m glad my kids will be safe in school this January.
— Kara (@Karadowd)
The county isn’t relying on self-reporting as the only way to keep schools open — parents have had the option to .
The random tests are given as a preventive measure to a sample of students and give results to parents in a few days while the rapid tests are given to students who are symptomatic at school (with parental permission).
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