For further information:
For Immediate Release:
July 27, 2020
“Given that the present rate of COVID-19 infections is unstable and the numbers of cases in the City of St. Louis are increasing, as well as, information provided by Dr. Deborah Birx, a AFT St. Louis has no other choice but to recommend that St. Louis Public Schools open with 100% virtual instruction at this time,” says Ray Cummings, Interim President, of AFT, St. Louis, Local 420, AFLCIO.
The data indicating an upward trend of infection rate coupled with the nature of the call from the coronavirus task force indicate that St. Louis is experiencing a surge of COVID-19 which will potentially spread infections and ultimately cause an increase in hospitalization and death.
“Dr. Birx, phone call to several city leaders, including St. Louis, advised them to take aggressive, preventive measures to prevent a more serious outbreak of the virus,” Cummings said, “we agree.”
11 major cities are seeing continued increases in the percentage of tests coming back positive from COVID-19. Dr. Birx warned the 11 cities* to be “aggressive” in their steps to mitigate pandemic outbreaks.
“The current surge of the virus has given Local 420 no other choice but to recommend that 100% virtual only instruction in the City of St. Louis should continue until such time that the rate of infections have either leveled off or start to decline. The virus is in charge right now,” Cummings added. “We thank our members, the elected Board of Education, the administration, the City Health Department, our members of our local task force, AFT national, our executive board, parents and the community for their participation, concern, partnership, collaboration and support during this pandemic.”
Please find the attached recommendations.
*Those cities identified: Baltimore, Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and St. Louis.
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