BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2021 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — BocaNewsNow.com has learned that several teachers and other staffers are refusing to wear masks or facial coverings during class and interactions with students.
UPDATE: Palm Beach County Declares State of Emergency over COVID. Latest.
As the Palm Beach County School Board prepares an emergency policy that not only affirms the staff mask mandate, but also reaffirms the Superintendent’s right to demand mask compliance, several teachers are said to be violating the order that is currently in place.
Policy 3.82 is set for emergency adoption during the Wednesday, August 18th meeting, and includes this language:
“Face coverings are required to be worn at all times (all employees must provide their own face coverings). Facial coverings should cover your nose and your mouth and comply with the CDC recommendations. All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must: be made with at least two (2), but preferably three (3), layers of breathable material; fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face and be secured with ties or ear loops allowing the employees to remain hands-free. At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings. The District will provide facial coverings if the employee is unable to provide their own. Please note facial coverings are in addition to, and not a substitute for, the required social distancing. Employees, who are required to work outdoors autonomously and will remain more than ten (10) feet away from others, may be granted a temporary exception to this requirement by their supervisor. A log must be maintained by the supervisor which indicates the name of the employee, date of request and whether the exception was granted or denied.”
If you are aware of teachers or other staffers not wearing masks, we want to know. Please use the form below. Photos are accepted.
A staff member at Omni Middle School died on Sunday from COVID-19. She was apparently seen unmasked at school meeting prior to the start of the school year. BocaNewsNow.com has learned that several other staffers at Omni Middle School have tested positive for COVID-19, although those results have not yet been reported on the school district’s COVID-19 dashboard.
The Palm Beach County School District itself is in the midst of a COVID crisis, with cases more than quadrupling over the first week of the school year. More than 418 students have tested positive for COVID-19 in just the first 6 days of school.
Use this form to send us information about teachers or staffers not complying with the Palm Beach County School District mask mandate. If the form does not appear, access it here.
