LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County school employees began receiving COVID-19 vaccinations this week.

“I wish to thank Public Health staff for their engagement and leadership. Based on our current planning we expect to have all interested Lake County school staff vaccinated by mid-February,” said Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg.

Phase 1b in Lake County includes people 65 and older and workers in education. Teachers and school staff who have contact with students will be prioritized.

Over the last three weeks, the Office of Education has coordinated with the school districts to focus on vaccination planning.

Konocti Unified School District Superintendent Becky Salato said for her staff that have chosen to receive the vaccine there is an additional sense of security and safety as they work towards balancing what they want to do, and what they can do safely.

“As superintendent, I am very hopeful that the vaccines will help us get our students back in school safely and soon. I think for all of us, the vaccine brings hope that we are closer to returning to some new form of normal,” Salato said.

Reggie Gee, a special education teacher from Upper Lake Unified School District, said he does not normally get sick or get the flu vaccination, but receiving the COVID-19 vaccine was important to him.

“I think it is important for two reasons. One is to set an example for the staff and the students I work with. The other is for safety,” Gee said.

A paraeducator from Lakeport Unified School District, Angeles Espinoza, said getting the vaccine did not hurt at all and was an easy process to go through.

“Getting the vaccine and creating a herd of immunity is important to stopping the spread of COVID,” Espinoza said. “It is also important to spread awareness about the vaccine and create trust in the community about getting vaccinated.”

According to Lake County Public Health, COVID-19 activity is more widespread than it has ever been in Lake County and they ask to please take extra precautions.

This includes the Three Ws:

· Wear a mask.

· Wash your hands.

· Watch your distance.

These are all important strategies to protect against community spread.

“Getting our students safely back into schools is one of our top priorities,” Falkenberg said.

To learn more about the Lake County Office of Education, visit www.lakecoe.org.