DR. LOESCH, WOODALL TALK BACK-TO-SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS, HEALTH GUIDELINES

Josh Blaschke August 22, 2020

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Dr. William Loesch and Jamie Woodall discuss their expectations for the return to school and what has been done to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at area schools in a video released Friday by the Washington County Joint Information Center.

With Brenham ISD beginning classes Tuesday and Burton ISD already back in session, local health officials are hoping the safety precautions taken by the districts will keep students and staff safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Washington County Health Authority Dr. William Loesch and Brenham ISD Head Athletic Trainer and COVID-19 Response Leader Jamie Woodall participated in a video release to discuss the health and safety needs of students and educators as they return to campuses.

As of Friday, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the county reported 553 positive cases, 69 active cases, 438 recoveries, and 43 deaths. Dr. Loesch said the county is still seeing a lag in case reporting from the state, adding that the newest numbers include some cases that are fairly old and possibly recovered. He said from what he has seen at the clinic, he has seen a large drop in the number of new positive cases, and believes the first wave of the virus is “finally trying to die off”.

Dr. Loesch expects there will be an increase in cases once classes are underway for all schools, but does not think it will be a significant increase.

Woodall said Brenham ISD has been adamant in its efforts to follow state health and education guidelines and keep campuses safe.

Meanwhile, Blinn College, which starts classes Monday, welcomed students back to the Brenham campus with a phased housing move-in starting on August 17^th, new protocols for social distancing, and health screenings. Local public officials and community leaders attended a “Back with Blinn” update earlier this month to review Blinn’s COVID-19 plan for the Brenham campus. Students, faculty, and staff will be expected to wear masks in campus buildings, socially distance, and practice hand washing, symptom awareness, and reporting.

Brenham Mayor Milton Tate said local education partners have been working hard to prepare their campuses and staff for this new school year with the COVID-19 precautions and protocols in place. He said, while it may be a time of uncertainty, he believes Brenham ISD, Burton ISD, and Blinn College are “doing everything they can to ensure the safety of everyone on their campuses”.

The video release from the Washington County Joint Information Center can be seen below.