AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- As district officials continue to prepare for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year, the Austin Independent School District says it will "strongly encourage" everyone to wear masks when indoors.
The district on Thursday afternoon released a preliminary version of COVID-19 safety measures that will be implemented in the fall.
"We’re committed to providing a safe and healthy environment so that we can welcome each and every student back," said a district news release. "The Centers for Disease and Prevention are backing the return to full in-person learning, and we’re ready to see your children in person again."
The district is exploring options for virtual learning, and is expecting to release more information on those options by August 2.
Under Gov. Greg Abbott's executive orders, the district cannot require masks for students, staff, or visitors. The district also says that it will no longer perform temperature checks. Students, parents, and staff should self-screen for symptoms before leaving home, in accordance with CDC guidelines.
In classrooms, the district will use assigned seating to help with contact tracing. Physical distancing of 3 feet or more will take place when feasible, and plexiglass separators will be used. HEPA air filtration systems will also be provided in each classroom.
School buses will be back at full capacity, but assigned seats will be used, and students in the same household will sit together. Hand sanitizer will be readily available, masks will be encouraged, and daily cleaning will continue.
Cafeterias will also return to normal service, with students following assigned seating and social distancing as facilities permit. Hand washing or hand sanitizer will be required before going through the food line.
According to the district, anyone who is sick will need to isolate at home for 10 days, unless a doctor's note or a negative PCR test result confirms a healthy return.