Bladen County Schools announced Thursday that Dublin Primary School would be closed for a minimum of two weeks beginning on October 19 due to COVID-19. According to Bladen County Health Director Teresa (Terri) Duncan, the school does not meet the guidelines to qualify as a cluster, which means five or more positive cases.
The shutdown of the school has left some parents questioning the school’s practice of CDC guidelines, their communication and their plan to educate the students.
One parent, Sebastian Bratt sat down for an interview to discuss the issues his family is facing due to the shut down.
View the video here:
Other schools in the area providing in-person learning have shutdown grades due to a cluster outbreak, but Dublin Primary School is the first school to close to all students and staff for COVID-19 related issues without a positive cluster.
Dr. Duncan said, “One positive case can be detrimental.” She continued, “Bladen County now has 84 active COVID-19 cases. It is extremely important to wear a mask and practice social distancing.”
In closing Dr. Duncan did confirm North Carolina submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention its COVID-19 Vaccination Plan. However it may be another month before the vaccine is submitted for approval for emergency use.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website, North Carolina’s vaccine plan reflects five principles that guide the planning for and distribution of one or more COVID-19 vaccines in the state. The principles include:
- All North Carolinians have equitable access to vaccines.
- Vaccine planning and distribution is inclusive; actively engages state and local government, public and private partners; and draws upon the experience and expertise of leaders from historically marginalized populations.
- Transparent, accurate and frequent public communications is essential to building trust.
- Data is used to promote equity, track progress and guide decision-making.
- Appropriate stewardship of resources and continuous evaluation and improvement drive successful implementation.
