The District continues to receive guidance from the numerous sources, including the Pa. departments of Health and Education (DOH and PDE), the Montgomery County Office of Public Health (MCOPH) and the PolicyLab at CHOP. Many variables that will need to align in order for the phased-in return to in-person instruction to begin and the ultimate decision will rest with the Lower Merion Board of School Directors.
The challenge remains that the guidance continues to change over time. As of August 13, 2020, the District’s plan to open virtually is within the guidance released earlier in the week from PDE and the DOH, as Montgomery County is in the moderate transmission phase, where virtual instruction is a recommended option. In addition to looking at Montgomery County, MCOPH has recommended our District take into consideration the status of Delaware and Philadelphia counties, due to their geographic proximity and the fact that many of our staff and the family members of many our students move among these counties regularly. Additionally, many assumptions for the recommendations are based on the existence of rapid test results and adequate contact-tracing. MCOPH has assured us that these will be in place in the coming weeks, but they are not fully available at this time.