School Districts Keeping Close Eye on COVID-19 Heading Into Winter Break

Districts like Oklahoma City Public Schools plan to re-evaluate some of their protocols in place for COVID-19 when students return from break.

"I think whatever parents do isn't just going to protect them from COVID, it is going to protect them from cold and flu and everything else," said Staceee Hoye, the clinical service director for OCCHD.

Hoye said over winter break, families need to remain vigilant.

"Good hand hygiene, making sure your kids are properly vaccinated, socially distance when appropriate. The weather has been so beautiful recently. Get those kids outside to play with their friends," said Hoye.

OKCPS has worked closely with Oklahoma City-County Health Department in making recommendations and protocols for the district.

Right now, the district is keeping everything the way it is.

In a statement, OKCPS Superintendent Sean McDaniel said with so many unknowns regarding the new variant and with the likelihood of holiday travels and gatherings, the district thinks it’s best to leave their mask requirement in place until they know more.

He went on and said if numbers remain low and other conditions allow, they hope to begin adjusting some of our COVID safety protocols going into the new year.

"If you are vaccine eligible, get vaccinated. We have seen that is the number one way to diminish impact of this pandemic," Hoye said.

Click here to view OKCPS' COVID response plan.