DHEC Recommends Vaccinations, Mask Use, and Other COVID-19 Protocols in School Guidance for K-12 2021-2022 Academic Year – SCDHEC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 29, 2021

COLUMBIA, S.C. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has issued its COVID-19 interim guidance for K-12 schools as students, teachers, parents, and staff all prepare for the 2021-2022 school year. DHECs interim guidance includes recommendations that reflect the latest COVID-19 trends and is meant to protect everyone who plays a role in South Carolinas students receiving a quality education safely. It is important to note that this guidance may change as the situation evolves.

The full school guidance is available here. Here are some of the key points:

Our first priority is the safety of our children and teachers, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DHEC Director. That is why, above all else, were urging all eligible South Carolinians to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated if they havent already done so. The last thing we want is for COVID-19 to spread through our schools causing avoidable illness. Our students and educators deserve the right to learn and teach in a safe, healthy environment, and vaccinations will make that possible. The use of masks and other precautions recommended in our guidance will also help ensure a safe, healthy environment in our schools especially with the emergence of the Delta variant.

DHEC reported nearly 19,000 COVID-19 cases among students and faculty through June 18, 2021, per the agencys COVID-19 school dashboard. Vaccinations are the best way to not continue to see cases in schools and to end the pandemic.

Vaccinations are available for ages 12 and up at many locations across the state. Visit DHECs information page for more information on the vaccines, and the locator page to schedule a vaccine appointment.

###

See the original post here:

DHEC Recommends Vaccinations, Mask Use, and Other COVID-19 Protocols in School Guidance for K-12 2021-2022 Academic Year - SCDHEC