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LONG BEACH (CNS) - All Long Beach Unified School District staff will be required to show proof of vaccination or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing when classes resume at the end of the month, the district confirmed today.
District staff were notified of the requirement on Monday.
In a message to district families, Superintendent Jill Baker said COVID-19 “continues to impact the well-being of our community.''
“While we can be encouraged that the Long Beach vaccination rate is close to 75%, and continues to tick upward, COVID is still a concern,'' Baker wrote. “We must all be vigilant in our commitment to handwashing, mask wearing and getting vaccinated -- all things that we have control over.
“As part of the community wide effort, and in order to do everything that we can to maintain the health and safety of our staff and students, LBUSD will be requiring all staff to provide proof of vaccination or participate in weekly COVID testing when school starts this year.''
The requirement does not extend to students. LBUSD classes begin Aug. 31.
Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia said he "strongly'' supports the district's move.
"The school district has been an invaluable partner for our city's pandemic response and is the largest employer in Long Beach with more than 12,000 teachers and staff members,'' he said. "This is absolutely the right decision and will not only protect the health of children as they return to classrooms in the coming weeks, but will also help stop the spread of COVID-19 throughout our community.''
The Los Angeles Unified School District, which will begin fall classes next week, is requiring all students and district employees to undergo weekly COVID testing, regardless of vaccination status, if they are taking part in in-person classes or activities.
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