The Kern High School District on Wednesday released guidelines for graduation ceremonies, which are set to take place the week of June 22, to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Handwashing stations will be available at entrances, and hand sanitizer will be available in several locations across the venue. Masks will be provided for all staff, students, and guests who do not have
face coverings, according to a news release.

The district also shared general guidelines for students, staff, and guests:
• Two guests per graduate (no exceptions)

• Graduates and guests will sit together on the field. Chairs on the field will be positioned so that a minimum of 8 feet of distance is between family groups and maintained during the ceremony. School staff will assist families in finding their seats.

• Graduates and guests must maintain a minimum of 6 feet of physical distance between themselves and others outside of their home.

• People who are at higher risk of getting sick are asked not to participate. This includes people 65 years or older, people who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility, people who have underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, and people who have had COVID-19 symptoms in the prior three days or who came in contact with
someone who has had COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

• Graduates are encouraged to keep their face masks on until they walk on the stage.

• School sites will plan for a process to hand off the diploma and have the student’s picture taken that minimizes physical contact and adheres to social distancing guidelines.

• Each site will plan for how students and their guests will be able to avoid congregation and safely exit the event

• Any reusable supplies or furniture used during the ceremony will be properly cleaned and disinfected

A list of graduation ceremony information and links to the live streams can be found here.