CEDARVILLE, Ohio — One week after first announcing he would do so, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has issued an order requiring the state's K-12 schools to report their coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.
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According to DeWine, the order -- which will go into effect on Sept. 8 -- will work as follows:
- Parents or guardians and school staff should notify their school within 24 hours of receiving a positive coronavirus test or a clinical diagnosis.
- Within 24 hours of the notification, that school will notify parents or guardians about that case in writing. The notification should provide as much information as possible without releasing protected health information. Templates will be available at coronavirus.ohio.gov.
- Additionally, the school will be required to notify their local health department within 24 hours.
- Every Tuesday beginning on Sept. 15, local health departments will report the number of newly reported and cumulative cases to the Ohio Department of Health.
- Every school district or school will identify a COVID-19 coordinator, whose responsibilities will include facilitating the reporting of case information. Upon request, schools or buildings will be required to provide the local health department a copy of their pandemic plan.
Earlier this week, DeWine stated that his order would attempt to ensure the following:
- That parents are notified if their kids have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus.
- That parents are notified if someone in their child's building has tested positive for the coronavirus.
- That the public is aware of cases in their local districts.