By Walt Zwirko
Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Thursday that Oklahoma teachers will be moved up to Phase 2 of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan as part of an effort to restore in-person education to all students.
The state’s original four-step inoculation plan called for school workers to be part of Phase 3. Now teachers and support staff will be included in Phase 2, which also includes first responders, health care workers providing outpatient care, senior citizens and those with co-morbidities, and public health staffers.
“I’ve heard from so many parents, students and teachers about how hard this year has been,” Stitt said at a news conference at the State Capitol. “We’re going to get through this, and we’re going to get our kids back to school safely.”
The governor said the decision to accelerate the vaccination regimen for schools is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, which cited extensive data to confirm that K-12 schools can operate with face-to-face learning safely and responsibly.
How soon can school employees get the coronavirus vaccine? State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Lance Frye said that depends on the frequency of shipments and on how many qualified in Phase 1 take advantage of the opportunity.
“We’re hoping the first part of the year, hopefully in January,” Frye said, adding that school support staff in grades K-12 — like bus drivers and cafeteria workers — will also be eligible to receive the vaccine in Phase 2.
Gov. Stitt noted that some Oklahoma school districts have not offered in-person learning since the pandemic started.
“My heart breaks for these kids that have not been in school since last March,” he said. “COVID’s still going to be here in January. COVID’s still going to be here in February. We can do it safely.”
The governor cannot order schools to reopen; that is a decision only local school boards can make.
“If you’re with me, call your local school boards,” Stitt said. “I want every Oklahoma school child to have an in-person option in January. Period.”
