HomeMy WebLinkAbout032159 DEC - 07/16/2020 Local Health Authority Order
For Independent School Districts in Nueces County delaying On-Campus Instruction
WHEREAS,the situation regarding COVID-19 in Nueces County,Texas is rapidly evolving with observed
rapid rate of transmission through community spread as demonstrated by a sharp increase in new cases and
increased hospitalizations and ICU admissions;
WHEREAS,the Texas Education Agency ("TEA") does not have general authority to close schools due to
public health,and TEA acknowledges that such authority lies with the local heath authority,the Department
of State Health Services, and the Governor;
WHEREAS, data indicates that if schools open for on-campus instruction on the currently scheduled date,
multiple students and staff will probably arrive at the campus already infected with COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, this order includes appropriate control measures based on the higher risk for spread of
COVID-19 in schools due to the necessity of large groups gathering in indoor spaces and the difficulty for
children to follow social distancing and hygiene guidelines.
THEREFORE, due to the current evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nueces County, and pursuant
to Texas Health & Safety Code §§ 81.082 and 81.084, Dr. Srikanth Ramachandruni, the Health Authority
for Corpus Christi/Nueces County, hereby issues this order imposing specified control measures and
restrictions on all independent school districts within Nueces County (hereinafter described as "public
school systems").
The following restrictions are effective as of the execution of this Order:
• Public school systems shall not re-open schools for on-campus, face-to-face instruction until after
September 7, 2020;
• Virtual instruction shall be permitted as per each public school system's own plan;
• At least two weeks prior to re-opening for on-campus instruction and on-campus activities, each
school or public school system shall develop a plan to be submitted to the Corpus Christi/Nueces
County Health Authority for re-opening on-campus activities and instruction and make the plan
available for parents and general public.
This order is issued under my authority as Health Authority for the City of Corpus Christi and Nueces
County, on this the l 6tT' day of July 2020. This order may be renewed or extended by further action
pursuant to rTexasHe & Safety Code §§ 81.082 and 81.084.
Srikanth Ram handruni, MD
Medical Director and Health Authority
City of Corpus Christi/Nueces County
Physical address: 1702 Horne Rd. Corpus Christi, Texas 78416
E-mail: drratnci cctexas.com
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-nin Projects\2020\Health Authority Order on School Reopenings.doa