The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) is releasing updated public health recommendations to help families and school districts make decisions about the safest learning mode for students and staff in a novel pandemic. The revised guidance now includes the Incidence Rate Category (the number of new cases added per 100,000 people over the two prior weeks.) It also makes clear that percent positive is one of the two measures that make up the gating criteria and includes an expanded hybrid option for middle and high schools if schools can take appropriate safety precautions.

These recommendations are a result of a collaboration between JCDHE and school districts in the county. It outlines recommendations for learning modes, based on COVID19 transmission in the community. Decisions about appropriate learning modes will continue to be made by the school districts.

“JCDHE wants all schools to conduct in-person learning safely. It is important that the health and well-being of our students, teachers, school staff and families is protected,” states Dr. Sanmi Areola, JCDHE director. “These recommendations are being offered for school administrators and parents/caregivers to make decisions on what is best for their school community and individual family.”

County and district leaders will continue to meet to review data, monitor trends and discuss safe learning modes.

The recommendations include what types of learning modes and mitigation efforts are recommended to minimize the impacts of COVID-19. As new evidence emerges, recommendations may change. JCDHE and school districts will work closely together to monitor community and school conditions and make amendments if necessary. The updated recommendations can be found at www.jocogov.org/coronavirus. The data included in these recommendations will be available tomorrow on the coronavirus dashboard.