Governor Kevin Stitt announced Thursday $10 million in CARES Act funding would go to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for schools as they begin to open. The Governor also is working on a plan to have teachers tested for COVID-19 once a month.
“Schools are an essential part of our society,” said Stitt. “It is critically important that they operate safely and effectively for all students. I am committed to providing our schools with the resources and support they need in order to welcome students back to the classroom while also prioritizing their health.”
To supply the schools, the state will purchase 1.7 million reusable masks (two per teacher and student), 42,000 clear face shields, 1.2 million pairs of disposable gloves and 1.2 million disposable gowns.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management will handle distribution to the schools. The goal is to deliver the PPE by August 14.
Stitt has directed the State Department of Health to work with the Oklahoma State Department of Education to form a teacher testing plan by August 21.
Stitt and Secretary of Human Services and Early Childhood Initiatives Justin Brown are stressing that opening the schools will be good for the children’s education and wellbeing, as long as schools take safety precautions for COVID-19.
“As important public health decisions are made, there are critical trade-offs that impact the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Brown. “In times of stress, we all expect that cases of child abuse and neglect to increase. The nation is struggling with the fact that actual reports of child abuse and neglect are down dramatically. Teachers play a critical role in recognizing abuse, and it is clear that our kids are not being seen by their teachers. In April of 2019, educators reported 767 cases of suspected abuse and neglect. In April of 2020, that number reduced to just 57 cases.”
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister supports the Governor’s move to supply schools with PPE.
“It is critical that every effort be made for our kids and teachers to return to school, and the evidence is clear that face masks – along with face shields, gloves and gowns – are crucial for that to happen. COVID-19 has created difficult decisions that require schools to offer families a number of instructional delivery options that best meet their needs. We thank Gov. Stitt and his team for their work in helping to provide PPE to our schools.“
You can watch the Governor’s press conference announcing the PPE plan below.
