In a weekly update on Monday, Ponca City Public Schools reported a total of 20 new COVID-19 cases, 49 close contacts and 69 total individuals affected for the week of September 6.
The numbers are an improvement compared to the week of August 30 which saw 61 new COVID-19 cases and 480 close contacts. Ponca City Public Schools wants to remind parents/guardians to not send their children to school who are COVID-19 symptomatic or who are awaiting COVID-19 test results. If positive cases are in the classroom, it activates a contact tracing investigation. PCPS wants to make sure their students and staff stay healthy and remain in school.
With the injunction of SB 658 being filed, the Ponca City Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously, to institute a mask requirement for anyone entering a PCPS indoor facility during normal school day operating hours for the increased safety, physical, and mental health of PCPS staff and students.
However, there will be an opt-out provision for medical reasons, religious reasons, or strong personal beliefs. The mask requirement becomes effective Friday, September 10, 2021. The mask exemption opt-out form may be found at www.pcps.us.
Opt-out forms must be signed and brought to each child’s school site office by a parent/legal guardian or the student if they are 18 years or older. A form will have to be completed for each individual child and taken to the appropriate site.
Masks will be available for Ponca City students, staff, and visitors upon request.
