Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) – Monroe County Public Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Mendoza says the area has made progress in the fight against COVID-19.
His remarks came during a meeting Wednesday with Brighton school leaders.
“I think from the health department’s standpoint, we’ve gotten past the first scary part, and now we’re looking ahead to try and reopen,” said Dr. Mendoza.
He indicated many changes may be in store for school leaders as they prepare to host students again in the fall. Mask wearing, more intense hand hygiene, and physical distancing will be among the changes implemented.
Dr. Mendoza said temperature checks at each facility could be implemented to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. He says a plan to make that work won’t be a one-size-fits-all approach for each district and each facility.
“I think the reality is each building will have to look at guidelines and tailor it closer to them,” said Dr. Mendoza.
He also said school activities and extracurricular activities ranging from sports to choral activities will need to be evaluated based on potential risk. He says outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities.
“I think one principal has become very clear, there’s no single way to look at risk,” said Dr. Mendoza.
In a virtual roundtable discussion with local parents and school leaders Wednesday night, parents expressed concerns over the future of learning, both in and outside of the classroom.
“What is a person doesn’t want to wear mask? What if a person refuses to social distance? Because there’s no law that says they have to, so what do we do in those instances?” asked parent Catherine Wilson.
Though Dr. Mendoza says he doesn’t envision schools having to close again due to the coronavirus, parents want to know their kids will learn effectively if they have to go back to online learning.
“There was no individualized teaching for kids who have different needs,” said parent Amy Hsi on online learning. “It’s just hard to get a good sense of what’s going on with each kid in this ‘zoom way.’”
Dr. Mendoza says he wants to create a small task force which includes local infectious disease specialists to help form a plan for schools to safety reopen.
— 13 WHAM