WHEREAS, The World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, a global pandemic yesterday on March 11, 2020; and
WHEREAS, The disease now spans 114 countries, with the United States being one of eight countries reporting over 1,000 cases; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia reported its first case of COVID-19 on March 10, 2020 and surrounding suburbs and states have reported dozens more; and
WHEREAS, The University of Pennsylvania and Temple University have announced the closure of their respective campuses for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester, with all classes moving to online and alternative learning formats; and
WHEREAS, Thus far, the School District of Philadelphia and the State Board of Education have released no plan to cease operations due to the COVID-19 outbreak; and
WHEREAS, During this period of heightened concern, parents should be granted greater authority to make decisions concerning their child’s attendance at school; and
WHEREAS, Health officials have asked those feeling ill to be abundantly cautious and stay home for as long as necessary; and
WHEREAS, Currently, however, the School District of Philadelphia mandates a doctor’s note after 3 or more consecutive absences; and
WHEREAS, Obtaining a doctor’s note can be a challenge for many families in Philadelphia whether they be uninsured or working multiple jobs; and
WHEREAS, Particularly during a global pandemic, we should relax student absence requirements as to allow parents greater authority over their child’s well-being without fear of penalty, and to protect students, teachers and staff from potentially infected students; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,
That it hereby urges the School District of Philadelphia and the State Board of Education to temporarily suspend the requirement to provide a doctor’s note after 3 days of absence during the coronavirus outbreak
End