PA DOH & PDE Issue New COVID-19 Guidance for K-12 Schools

On July 26, the Pennsylvania Departments of Health & Education issued updated guidance for the first time since last June for schools in the wake of COVID-19. A press release concerning the guidance is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Education-Details.aspx?newsid=1164

In sum, the recommendations are as follows:

  1. Encourage vaccination for kids 12+.
  2. Encourage/require mask wearing for unvaccinated students & staff.

Although these new guidances are framed as recommendations, PDE is still requiring schools to submit a Health and Safety Plan, details of which will be publicly accessible later this summer. According to the webpage on PDE’s website, schools (Local Education Agencies) must submit their plans by July 31, 2021. Click Here for HealthSafetyPlans.aspx