On Tuesday, Contra Costa Health Services issued a notice urging schools to host virtual online graduation celebrations instead of in-person celebrations to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The notice came as schools are approaching graduations while schools have been closed since March.
For schools who are unable to hold virtual graduations, Contra Costa Health Services has issued guidance on how to hold in-person ceremonies safely which included a series of guidance requirements. These included all events must be outdoors, social distancing must occur including limiting the number of people who attend and ensure no more than 200 vehicles in a parking area associated with the event.
One option is a drive-through ceremony where students can pick up their diplomas with their parents and siblings in the car (up to six people). One family at a time will be allowed to approach a graduation table/station where their student would receive a diploma. Attendees would need to wear masks or face coverings.
Another option recommended by health officials involves a small group of 25 students or fewer. In this scenario, students would wear masks, stay six feet apart and practice social distancing. This ceremony would not include the parents/caregivers of the students or their extended families, but it could be filmed for them to view at a later time.
“We recognize the need for people to connect and celebrate,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County’s health officer. “However, gatherings like graduation ceremonies are a major contributor to the spread of COVID-19.”
Lynn Mackey, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools, thanked the county for guidance.
“We are all thinking of the high school seniors in our county and others who will be missing out on the traditional graduation and promotion ceremonies that signify an important rite of passage,” said Mackey. “I am truly grateful that Contra Costa Health Services is providing this guidance so that schools can work within a set of parameters to still plan for and create meaningful graduations.”
In response to the notice, Stephanie Anello, Superintendent of the Antioch Unified School District, said she was sad for the graduating seniors.
“We are so sad that Senior graduation has been negatively impacted by the current COVID-19 pandemic. To honor the achievements of our students, each high school will hold a virtual ceremony on the originally scheduled date and time of their school’s previously scheduled graduation. We also have two alternative dates set for each school to hold in-person graduations if permitted. If it is not permitted by the first date, we will attempt to hold it on the second date.
Eric Volta, Superintendent of the Liberty Union High School District, explained many have already been turning to virtual ceremonies.
“A number of colleges have turned to virtual ceremonies. CSU just announced that it will not have in person classes. At this point no one wants to approve any event/program where someone may get sick, or worse, someone gets sick and it spreads to older family members. I get it,” stated Volta. “Each day we get calls or email from the community that we should not allow certain activities and a few moments later we get a call saying we should allow more. It is such a new and unsettling time there really is no answer but to follow what the health professionals are recommending.”
For the guidance, click here.
