Superintendent Deborah Gist addressed the Tulsa school board on Nov. 30.
Using such expressions as “excruciating,” “agonizing” and “a gut punch” to describe it, district leaders talked in more detail Monday about the decision to return all Tulsa Public Schools students to distance learning.
“I am confident it goes without saying that this is not what I wanted. This is not what any of our team wanted,” Superintendent Deborah Gist said. “But as I’ve said consistently, when the recommendation from the health professionals changed, we would adjust.”
The district announced earlier Monday that due to COVID-19 spread in the community, students in prekindergarten through third grade would return to distance learning starting Wednesday and continue through winter break.
Students in fourth grade through high school are already on distance learning through the break.
Gist, speaking at a Tulsa Board of Education special meeting Monday afternoon, said the decision was based on various factors, including information from the district’s own health data team. But it was a recommendation from Tulsa Health Department Executive Director Bruce Dart that weighed most heavily.
People are also reading…
Gist said, “Our recent case numbers combined with hospitalizations, and the evidence that Tulsans sadly did not follow guidance around Thanksgiving gatherings — all of that resulted in Dr. Dart letting us know that in-person learning for any of our students was, and I will quote him now, ‘extremely risky.’”
Gist said the announcement of the decision had triggered anger and frustration from parents.
She said she understands, and that her message to them is: “I hear you, we are listening. Also, I want you to know that I am angry, too. I’m actually furious.
“As a society,” Gist said, “far too many people have decided not to manage their own behavior and too many of our leaders are not making choices that prioritize wellness, life and our most valuable and most vulnerable children.”
As part of the district’s phased return plan, pre-K through third grade had resumed in-person instruction before Thanksgiving break.
Originally, fourth through sixth grades were scheduled to come back Monday, Nov. 30, but the board previously chose to delay their return until Jan. 4 after winter break.
That’s when all middle, junior high and high school students are also scheduled to return to in-person learning.
Officials said that breakfast, lunch, and supper meals will continue to be provided for all Tulsa children ages 18 and under. Go to tulsaschools.org/meals for more information about student meal service.
Board President Stacey Woolley said: “This is something that we were all looking to happen eventually, but still it’s a gut punch. Because it is not something any of our board members or anyone on this team wants to do — send our students back into distance learning.
“It’s the right decision in my opinion,” she added. “And it’s not something that we take lightly and or that we enjoy or look forward to.”
Board member Jerry Griffin said he wasn’t sure if going back to distance learning is the right decision or not, but added later that “there is no right decision on this.”
“I defer to the superintendent and she has my support.”
A Tulsa World analysis published Monday showed that in the past two months, Oklahoma children ages 5 to 14 have outpaced all other age groups in new COVID-19 case rates.
The 5-14 age group has experienced 85% growth in the rate of new cases per 100,000 population since early October.
Gist said Oklahoma needs to look to other examples.
“Other countries and states are prioritizing schools and in-person learning. But to do so, they’re having to make really hard decisions in other aspects of society, especially those that we know are the primary drivers of the spread of the coronavirus.
“We’re not doing that here,” Gist said. “And as a result, we are now at this horrible place.”
“It’s painful because, again, we know our children need to be back in person and we want them back in person,” she said. “At the same time we have a dedication to the safety and wellness of our team members and our children and all of their families.”
COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
How it spreads, who's at risk
Studies have shown many infected people show no symptoms or have symptoms so mild they may go undetected; those people can still transmit COVID-19 to About 20% of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 require hospitalization.
The disease can be fatal, especially for vulnerable populations: those older than 65, living in a nursing home or long-term care facility, and anyone with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or obesity.
Science of virus spread
COVID-19 is spread mainly from person to person via respiratory droplets produced by an infected person. Spread is most likely when people are in close contact, within about 6 feet. A person might also be infected with COVID-19 after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their face. According to the CDC, evidence suggests the novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces, though that form of transmission is said to be minor.
Transmission between people more than 6 feet from one another may occur in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces, the CDC says, especially where activities cause heavier breathing, such as singing or exercising.
The infectious period for patients can begin up to 48 hours before symptom onset.
List of symptoms
The CDC recently expanded its list of possible symptoms of COVID-19. The symptoms can appear from two days to two weeks after exposure.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms and will continue to be updated by the CDC. One symptom not included is "purple toes," which someone may experience with no other symptoms, sometimes several weeks after the acute phase of an infection is over. The coloration and pain is caused by a lack of blood flow to the toes caused by excessive blood clotting, a late-stage concern with COVID-19 infections.
Kinds of testing
Those getting tested may experience different kinds of swabs. The viral test, known as PCR, involves a deep nasal swab that can be painful.
Other tests that require less-invasive swabs may produce results faster, but with less accuracy. These should not be used diagnostically.
It is not yet known whether COVID-19 antibodies can protect someone being infected again or how long protection might last.
The 'serious seven'
The "serious seven" refer to close contact environments where residents should take extra precautions if they choose to attend. The seven are gyms, weddings, house gatherings, bars, funerals, faith-based activities and other small events, according to Tulsa Health Department Director Bruce Dart.
Treatments being investigated
The FDA has allowed for antiviral drug remdesivir, previously tested on humans with Ebola, to treat more severe cases of COVID-19 in adults and children. Safety and effectiveness aside, preliminary studies have shown it can shorten recovery time for some patients.
After previously approving an emergency use authorization, the FDA as of July 1 cautions against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial. A review of safety issues includes reports of serious heart rhythm problems and other safety issues, including blood and lymph system disorders, kidney injuries, and liver problems and failure.
Convalescent serum therapy
Some patients are receiving convalescent serum, meaning the antibodies made by people who have recovered after a COVID-19 infection. Antibody-rich blood plasma is being given to severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients, including Ascension St. John, Saint Francis Health System, OSU Center for Health Sciences and Hillcrest HealthCare System in Tulsa.
From June to July, requests for convalescent plasma from the Oklahoma Blood Institute multiplied seven-fold.
Recovery, as defined by CDC
To be considered recovered (without a test), these three things must happen, the CDC advises:
- No fever for at least 72 hours (three full days of normal temperature without the use of medicine)
- Other symptoms improved (no more cough, etc.)
- At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared
