UPDATE ON COVID-19 MANDATES
November 3, 2021
Dear OMSD Students, Staff, and Families:
As you may recall, in early October, Governor Newsom announced that he plans to make the COVID-19 vaccination a requirement for all public-school students. However, at this time, this requirement is not anticipated to go into effect until July 1, 2022. Further, the Governor plans to implement this requirement through the California Department of Public Health’s rulemaking process, which allows for public comment and further discussion. Thus, the details of this possible future vaccination requirement, such as its specific scope and possible exemptions, have yet to be worked out.
Some school districts have decided to require their students to receive the COVID-19 vaccination before this State requirement goes into effect. However, OMSD has no current plans to make the COVID-19 vaccination a requirement for its students and does not anticipate doing so until the State makes it a mandatory requirement.
The District is aware that the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic may change and therefore, believes it is in the best interest of its community to wait to implement any student vaccination requirements until the State mandates such as requirement, which again, is not currently scheduled to occur until July 1, 2022.
Additionally, OMSD has many families who have made a personal decision and may wish to begin the process of having their child(ren) take the vaccination as soon as it becomes available. As such, OMSD will be working with our families who voluntarily wish to have their child(ren) vaccinated. I will be sharing further details related to any voluntary vaccination offerings in the weeks ahead.
The District is aware of the frustration many people share regarding COVID-19. The District will continue to do its part by monitoring the COVID-19 situation on all its campuses and may consider adjusting its mitigation strategy in the future to protect both, the health and safety of its community while continuing to provide a world-class educational experience for all OMSD students, staff, and families. The District will also continue to provide updates to its community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and welcomes any questions or comments.
As has always been the case prior, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the District will continue to make the safety of students, staff, and families its primary concern.
OMSD continues to implement its COVID-19 Multi-Layered Mitigation Strategies Plan to protect the health and safety of our OMSD community. This Plan is based on the latest and best information, guidance, and mandates and includes requiring masking, regular handwashing, and physical distancing. Further, as required by California law, the District is complying with the Public Order that states all staff and workers who enter District property and/or interact with students or staff be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing.
For your reference, you can find the Governor’s announcement regarding the COVID-19 vaccination requirements for schools at the following website:
Thank you for your ongoing support.
