New coronavirus infections are on the rise in Bucks County, with 2,429 new COVID-19 infections reported from Dec. 27 through Jan. 2, a 5 percent increase over the previous week. "There have been a few instances where it couldn't be totally ruled out because of unclear or multiple routes of transmission," Damsker said. We have a resource page providing links to a variety of related information that is designed for parents, students, and school entities. Three reporters/editors will share daily this week. Out of an abundance of caution, I have decided to close the above schools Friday, March 6, 2020 to perform deep cleaning of all impacted facilities. Hidden talent: I can snap my fingers really loud with both hands. Bucks county is comprised of 13 school districts with over 96,000 public and private school students, in over 270 schools, served by more than 9,000 educators. We thank our subscribers for allowing us to serve you with our local journalism. COVID-19 cases rise nearly 80% in Bucks County Throughout Bucks County, infections rose to unprecedented levels last week, and on Tuesday officials sounded the alarm as … The Middletown resident formed a Facebook group called Bucks County Parents Advocating Safety that has since attracted more than 1,000 members from all 13 school districts in the county, she said. BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Bucks County reported 19 new deaths from COVID-19 in just three days this week as the county hit a grim milestone, surging past 20,000 cases of the virus since the pandemic began. Early Thursday afternoon, medical staff at Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol Township began receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine from the hospital’s fresh delivery of 975 doses. BUCKS COUNTY, PA — During a record week for new coronavirus cases in Bucks County, 232 school-age children and 31 school staff members tested positive for the virus last week. While many families feel it's unsafe to be offering full-time classroom instruction, especially during the recent spike, many others feel that the stringent health and safety plans put in place by school districts make full-time in-person learning viable. Favorite of 2020:During coronavirus, a move to get outside, "I enjoyed getting outside and hearing how doing the same was keeping people sane during the early days of the pandemic. Bucks County COVID-19 Behavioral Health Helpline - 215-399-5681 (Available Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) Bucks County Seniors can call 267-880-5700 for assistance, as well as information on services such as meal delivery and independent care. A modified quarantine offered to adults who may have been exposed to the coronavirus could keep some Bucks County students in the classroom. "Some days, it has approached 50% of cases. Without it, students could be … (Emma Lee/WHYY) Officials said staff and children from the five closed schools had attended a “private gathering” with a person who has since been diagnosed with COVID-19. According to Bucks County Health Department Director Dr. David Damsker, there have been a total of 1,887 COVID-19 cases among students and staff at all county public and private schools, with 1,623 student cases and 264 staff cases. Unless they live in Bucks County. COVID-19 Testing Locations. The main government guidance relating to what school leaders, teachers and school staff need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak can be accessed from the one place. "Truthfully, all I did was provide a place where collectively we could discuss, and hopefully make a change for our communities. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Larry R. King, 215-348-6413, lrking@buckscounty.org The Central Bucks School District, in consultation with the Pennsylvania and Bucks County Departments of Health, today closed five district schools for at least one day as a precaution against possible spread of coronavirus. "We continue to be a resource for them, but ultimate decisions on instruction are up to school boards and administrators at each school district.". DOYLESTOWN, PA —There have been 136 reported positive COVID-19 cases at Central Bucks schools since September, according to data from the district's website. Dedicated to providing news, exploring data and disseminating information related to COVID-19 ", COVID donation:After recovery, Middletown man plans plasma donation to help others, COVID in schools:Bucks schools report very few cases of COVID-19, Race in schools:Bucks County schools push to address systemic racism, Business growth:Two new businesses open on State Street on Newtown Borough. Just about 10 months after Bucks County started reporting confirmed outbreaks of COVID-19, the first health care workers in the lower end of the county received the first doses of a vaccine. CB is the third largest school district in PA. Just under 20,000 students are educated in our 15 elementary, five With a student enrollment of 18,000, only 67 students total across the district have tested positive for COVID-19, Kopicki said. Members of the new Facebook group take issue with the county's numbers and guidance, and add that full-time classroom instruction does not allow for adequate social distancing at many schools and presents other problems. They also point to the fact that there seems to be little or no evidence that the virus is being spread at schools. Flu and COVID-19 Coronavirus Resource Page. FREE COVID-19 Testing for Bucks County School Staff . Bucks County Health Department investigations last week identified 46 new infections among residents and staff at long-term care centers. "These elected/selected officials, whether it is the county or school districts, have failed miserably," said Jennifer Ferrandino, a Neshaminy School District resident and registered nurse. Dear Chief School Administrators, The COVID-19 pandemic has been a tremendous challenge for our community in many different ways. FAIRLESS HILLS >> Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund, established in March by United Way of Bucks County with additional funding from Penn Community Bank, continues to provide grants for COVID … A message from the Health Department: The Bucks County Health Department will be available to take your COVID-19 related calls 8:00 to 4:00 Monday – Friday and limited hours on Saturday at 215-345-3318. The main government guidance relating to what school leaders, teachers and school staff need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak can be accessed from the one place. I joined this group because I have a lot of friends, who I consider closer than family, who are also teachers.". We as the constituents have a right to be heard with our concerns and not simply dismissed because they feel Damsker's way is the right way.". Please use the list below to access each school … BUCKS COUNTY, PA — During a record week for new coronavirus cases in Bucks County, 232 school-age children and 31 school staff members tested positive for the virus last week. More: Group of Hatboro-Horsham parents sue district over lack of in-person instruction. At Wesley Enhanced Living Doylestown, the first round of COVID-19 vaccines last week was an emotional moment. Titus Elementary School in Warrington, Pa. and four other schools in central Bucks County, were shut down Friday, March 6, 2020, as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19. The Bucks County Health Department reported 38 deaths and 3,227 new COVID-19 cases last week. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Larry R. King, 215-348-6413, lrking@buckscounty.org The Central Bucks School District, in consultation with the Pennsylvania and Bucks County Departments of Health, today closed five district schools for at least one day as a precaution against possible spread of coronavirus. NEWTOWN, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Council Rock High School North in Bucks County, Pennsylvania is shutting down for the rest of the week after five students have tested positive for COVID-19. This is a team effort.". Bucks County Children & Youth is grateful to have been granted $20,0... 00 in gift cards during 2020 from the Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund. Eight were in their 90s, 11 in their 80s, eight in their 70s, six … Guidance for the Christmas Period. GUIDANCE FOR BUCKS COUNTY SCHOOL REOPENINGS Dear Chief School Administrators, The COVID-19 pandemic has been a tremendous challenge for our community in many different ways. Palisades has had … BUCKS COUNTY, PA — During a record week for new coronavirus cases in Bucks County, 232 school-age children and 31 school staff members tested positive for the virus last week. The state Department of Health reported 33 Bucks County COVID deaths last week, down from 38 the week before. "I fear there is a lot of motivated reasoning by well-meaning people who see the hardships of remote learning and then insist that those hardships outweigh what they claim are few risks or harms from full or partial reopenings. COVID-19 cases rise nearly 80% in Bucks County Throughout Bucks County, infections rose to unprecedented levels last week, and on Tuesday officials sounded the alarm as … We hope you enjoy the look back at the year and learn a little bit about us, too. For most Southeastern Pennsylvanians, just a few clicks on their county’s website gets them current local information on COVID-19 cases and deaths. Incidence rates and percentage of positive tests in both Bucks and neighboring Montgomery counties have them in the "significant risk" for transmission category, which according to state recommendations calls for all-virtual instruction. More: Bucks County COVID cases declining but December still 3rd deadliest month of pandemic. "He (Charles) is immunocompromised and is on a medication that lowers his ability to fight viruses and infections. During coronavirus, a move to get outside, After recovery, Middletown man plans plasma donation to help others, Bucks schools report very few cases of COVID-19, Bucks County schools push to address systemic racism, Two new businesses open on State Street on Newtown Borough, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. "That once again emphasizes the fact that many teachers and students are clearly infected regardless of a school district's teaching modality," said Damsker. BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. (CBS) – Bucks County officials Tuesday warned of the unprecedented spread of COVID-19. She couldn't enroll Jake in Neshaminy's all-virtual instructional choice because she couldn't stay home with him and had nowhere else to take him five days a week once the district eliminated the hybrid option, which had involved three days a week of online instruction and two days in classrooms. GUIDANCE FOR BUCKS COUNTY SCHOOL REOPENINGS . Sample 20; SW Sample; Calendar; Pennridge School District; Bucks County Department of Health FAQ; COVID Communications and Resources. Central Bucks High School East (Google Maps) DOYLESTOWN, PA — Despite rising COVID-19 cases in Bucks County, Central Bucks school administrators will continue with … Deaths and hospitalizations, while far from the peaks of last spring, rose higher than they have in several months. The COVID-19 patient deaths last week included 15 women and 23 men ranging in age from 28 to 95. Among county school districts, Central Bucks, Palisades, Pennridge and Quakertown Community are offering full-time in-person instruction at all or some grade levels. Most Bucks County school districts have continued to successfully educate children using either full in-person or hybrid options, and the Bucks County Health Department has supported their efforts to do so.". She and others in the group feel all county school districts should go back to all-remote learning at least until there is a significant reduction in COVID-19 cases. It's so far, so good at three Bucks County school districts that are conducting in-person instruction, and are almost COVID-19 free. 20 Welden Drive, Doylestown, PA 18901, 267-893-2000. There have been no clearly proven cases of spread within a school, he added. According to Bucks County Health Department Director Dr. David Damsker, there have been a total of 1,887 COVID-19 cases among students and staff at all county public and private schools, … The views of Rutecki and others in the group highlight one of the most polarizing issues that has arisen since schools resumed instruction in late August and September. Bucks County Towns With The Most New COVID Cases: Latest Data - Yardley, PA - Daily case numbers were back up in the first full week of 2021. Marion Callahan, Bucks County Courier Times, Bucks County COVID cases declining but December still 3rd deadliest month of pandemic, Bucks County school officials grapple with in-school instruction choices amid spiking COVID-19 cases, Group of Hatboro-Horsham parents sue district over lack of in-person instruction, https://www.facebook.com/groups/buckscpas, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. COVID in schools:Bucks schools report very few cases of COVID-19 Race in schools: Bucks County schools push to address systemic racism Business growth: Two … Guidance for schools: coronavirus (COVID-19). The remaining districts are currently either in all-virtual mode, or offering a choice between hybrid and full remote. Students and teachers in districts across Bucks County share their views of education amidst the pandemic. See note Due to the impact of the COVID-19 virus, school will closed until 18.1.21: 04/01/2021 19:55:09: No: Dinton Pre-School: Aylesbury: Closed due to specific circumstances. Despite Bucks County… More: Bucks County school officials grapple with in-school instruction choices amid spiking COVID-19 cases. "I was so upset by Neshaminy's decision, it prompted me to find others who felt the same," Rutecki continued. Overall, 40% of the cases involve students and staff who are involved in all-virtual instruction, he added. It is important to reiterate that there are no known or reported cases of coronavirus in Central Bucks School District, Bucks County or in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The coronavirus pandemic continued to worsen in Bucks County last week, with nearly 300 new cases reported every day and deaths and hospitalizations on the rise. And the Bucks County Intermediate Unit proudly serves them all. At least 112 Bucks County school students tested positive for COVID last week, 89 of whom were enrolled in virtual or hybrid instruction. The parks were a refuge. Central Bucks School District. Department for Education coronavirus … Group member Christina Morantz, of Bensalem, said she worries about the ramifications of full-time classroom options for her husband Charles, a Bensalem teacher, and other teachers. DOYLESTOWN, PA —There have been 136 reported positive COVID-19 cases at Central Bucks schools since September, according to data from the district's website. "I'm also a teacher but not at a brick-and-mortar school," Morantz said. Neshaminy started its four-days-a-week choice at the elementary schools Nov. 30, and Council Rock is tentatively scheduled to start a four-days-a-week elementary choice Jan. 11 and full-time in-person secondary choice Feb. 1. The fund was established by United Way of Bucks County with additional funding from Penn Community Bank.Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund is providing financial assistance to nonprofits like C&Y so that it can serve the community. … Like many other parents across Pennsylvania and the nation, Lynn Rutecki feels that providing a full or close to full-time in-person instructional choice amid spiraling COVID-19 case numbers is very misguided. "We've worked with schools throughout this and feel they have done a very, very good job in keeping things safe," Harvie said. Tom Wolf issued new restrictions on businesses and gatherings on Dec. 12, there were no new directives for schools. COVID-19 infections surged to record levels once again last week in Bucks County, averaging 345 new cases per day, state health officials reported. About Chris: An upstate New York native; graduating class of 39 at my high school in Richmondville, New York; 1981 Temple graduate; started at Courier Times in 1980 as a correspondent in sports while still in college, and the rest is history; sports, music and movie lover, especially hard rock and action movies; also love to read, both fiction and non-fiction. We appreciate your support. BUCKS COUNTY, PA — With the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine expected as early as January, the New York Times, the Surgo Foundation and Ariadne Labs have created a … "They have a responsibility to ensure that the students, teachers and staff at all times remain in a safe environment. With COVID-19 cases skyrocketing around the state and country, Bucks County schools face tough choices on starting or continuing in-person classes. So when the Neshaminy School District replaced its hybrid option at the elementary schools with a four-days-a-week classroom choice on Nov. 30, forcing her to enroll her third-grade son Jake in the four-days option if he wanted any in-person learning time, Rutecki felt compelled to take action. All rights reserved. "This is about me reaching out to find like-minded concerned parents and community members who do not agree with what is happening in their respective school districts," said Rutecki, a teacher in another Bucks County district who isn't able to work from home. In Bucks County, school districts that have returned to full-time, in-person classes include Quakertown, Pennridge, Palisades, Central Bucks and Neshaminy. Editor's note: Editors and reporters for the Bucks County Courier Times and The Intelligencer are using this final week of the year to share with our subscribers a little about ourselves, our favorite stories of the year and a sampling of our best work. Bucks County Commissioner Robert Harvie said county officials felt it was telling that when Gov. Six school staff members also tested positive. BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The number of new coronavirus infections in Bucks County remained low last week with no significant "secondary spread" in schools as they began to reopen. More and more data suggests otherwise," said group member and Bensalem parent Leann Hart. For more information on Bucks County Parents Advocating Safety, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/buckscpas. Bucks students share experiences of school during COVID. The county blames COVID fatigue. See note. Testing Locations by Area, printable pdf listing. Central Bucks, Palisades, Pennridge and Quakertown Community are currently the only Bucks County school districts offering full-time, in-person instructional choices at … © 2021 www.buckscountycouriertimes.com. 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