Las Cruces Public Schools implement additional safety protocols for school activities and events.
Las Cruces Public Schools is updating district COVID-19 safety protocols and implementing social distancing standards with designated seating in all school gyms and gyms. Event concession stands will also be closed starting January 24th.
The new guidance comes as the district weathers a fresh spike in COVID-19 cases. Cases within LCPS have increased significantly since the beginning of the year, with over 1,700 cases reported between January 1 and 21, according to the district’s COVID-19 case table.
In a press release, LCPS Superintendent Ralph Ramos said he hoped infection rates would drop enough for the policy to be reconsidered soon.
“These measures are our best line of prevention right now,” Ramos said. “I want to see championships and musical performances. I want our parents to be able to see their students and end this season with spectators in the stands. Please note that I appreciate everyone’s cooperation and I encourage you to do your part to keep our community safe.”
During the recent LCPS board meeting, School Board President Ray Jaramillo made a strong case for additional minutes.
“If we don’t talk, we will stay away,” Jaramillo said. “There will be no way. We will not have enough staff. People are falling like crazy… if we get behind the wheel, we won’t be able to catch up.”
Jaramillo also expressed concern about the updated self-isolation and quarantine requirements. LCPS recently updated the required self-isolation and quarantine period from ten to five days to better align with government guidelines.
School board member Teresa Tenorio spoke out against changing the protocol too quickly.
“I’ve always been on the side of wanting to be very conservative, and I think the CDC has been conservative,” Tenorio said. “I think the New Mexico Department of Health has been conservative, and I trust what they’re doing because they’ve been conservative. And I don’t see why we would overreact.”
The district says COVID-19 data will continue to be reviewed daily.
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