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Health and Safety – CVES 2020-21 School Re-Opening Plans

General Practices

Employees will take the following steps to protect themselves at work:

  • Only staff who have permission to be in a CVES building/facility can be in the building. Furthermore, staff that do have permission to be onsite, should only be in the building during their normal working hours. Relatives or other non-district employees are temporarily not allowed in CVES facilities
  • Once on district premises, please limit travel to your assigned area and adhere to your assigned times
  • Use only the main front entrance of the building unless other entrances are designated by your administrator
  • Practice social distancing and personal hygiene protocols while on district premises
  • Once in a CVES facility, you must always have a mask or cloth face covering in your possession. The mask or face covering must be in place before having any close contact and for the entire time you are in close contact with other person. Close contact is defined as within approximately six feet
  • Employees and students are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings even when physically distant from others
  • Do not go near anyone with respiratory symptoms of cough, fever, difficulty breathing, or other flu-like illness. Refer them to their supervisor (phone contact is best)
  • If you start to feel sick at work during the school day, contact the nurse’s office immediately and follow their instructions. If it is after hours, or if no nurse is available, contact your direct supervisor, then leave the building immediately. Your supervisor will make the necessary CVES contacts
  • Stay home if sick, except to get medical care
  • To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – light switches, door handles, handrails
  • Avoid handshaking, fist bumps, high fives,
  • Minimize handling/sharing cash, credit cards, and mobile or electronic devices when possible
  • Avoid all non-essential travel
  • Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol

Maintain social/physical distancing

  • Practice social/physical distancing while on district premises
  • Keep 6 feet away from other persons and do not go near anyone with respiratory symptoms of cough, fever, difficulty breathing, or other flu-like illness. Areas/actions to consider include:
  • Standing in line (screening, bathrooms, break/lunchrooms, serving areas)
  • Room occupancies have been modified in some cases to reduce potential contact between occupants. Modified occupancy limits will be posted in a conspicuous location. The purpose is to limit the number of people in an area and to maintain at least 20 square feet (SF) per person in a classroom (NYSED Reopening Guidelines page 49)
  • In hallways, staff and students shall travel with their right shoulder close to the wall. Staff and students should not to touch the wall while walking down the hallway
  • Limit in-person gatherings as much as possible and use tele- or videoconferencing whenever possible. Essential in-person gatherings (e.g. meetings) will be held in open, well-ventilated spaces with appropriate social distancing among participants.
    • Large group activities should be evaluated. If social/physical distancing is not possible, activities such as: trainings, meetings, plays, sporting events and concerts, shall be cancelled or postponed
  • Installation of Barriers:
    • Areas with frequent close person-to-person contact will have barriers (polycarbonate glass or some other non-combustible material) installed to separate individuals, such as:
      • Front office/greeter desk
      • High capacity offices where people are closer than 6 feet apart, shall have office dividers or other non-combustible material installed to separate desk/work areas
    • If staff must have person-to-person contact (within 6 feet) with other staff members, then staff must follow these precautions:
      • Wear a face covering/mask
      • Wash hands or use hand sanitizer before and after contact
      • Staff working with students should wear a face covering/mask and wash hands regularly when unexpected contact may occur
      • Ensure 6 ft. distance between personnel, unless safety or core function of the work activity requires a shorter distance. Any time personnel are less than 6 ft. apart from one another, personnel must wear acceptable face coverings
  • Post social distancing markers using tape or signs that denote 6 ft. of spacing in commonly used and other applicable areas

Personal responsibility

  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cough/sneeze into a tissue and dispose immediately, or cough/sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not into your hand
  • Always practice personal hygiene protocols, especially while on district premises
  • Personal hygiene:
  • Employees should wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol if soap and water are not readily available, (especially during key times when persons are likely to be infected by or spread germs):
  • After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • Before, during, and after preparing food
  • After using the toilet
  • After touching trash
  • Before and after the work shift
  • Before and after work breaks
  • After touching objects that have been handled by others

Wear and Care of Face Coverings/Masks

  • Face covering/masks shall be worn by all building occupants unless precluded by medical conditions
  • While on district premises, you must always have a face covering/mask in your possession
  • Building Administrators will order and maintain an adequate supply of face coverings for school staff and students
  • School Nurses will order and maintain an adequate supply of face coverings and PPE for CVES School Nurses’ Offices
  • Masks or face coverings must be worn when in hallways, restrooms, or any other public area
  • Face coverings must cover your nose and mouth completely
  • CVES will provide employees with an acceptable face covering at no-cost to the employee (and to students if they forget their own)
  • Employees and students may wear and provide their own face covering if it fits correctly, is acceptable (construction, condition, etc.), and appropriate in nature
    • Face coverings must be cleaned or replaced after use or when damaged or soiled, may not be shared, and should be properly stored or discarded
    • Disposable face covering should not be laundered but disposed of properly
    • Face covering care will be the responsibility of the employee
    • Employees may wear their own cloth face covering or face covering/mask
  • CVES employees and students are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering (even when physically distant from other people)
  • The face covering must be in place before having any close contact and for the entire time that you are having close contact with any other person. Close contact is defined as within six feet of another person (common hallways, restrooms or other areas)
  • When wearing it, it must cover your nose and mouth completely
    • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
    • Fully cover the mouth and nose
    • Be secured with ties, elastic or ear loops
    • Include multiple layers of fabric
    • Allow for breathing without significant restriction
    • Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
    • Washing face coverings in a washing machine and drying in a dryer is recommended to properly clean a face covering
  • If face covering/masks are hand washed prepare a bleach solution of 4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water. Soak the face covering for 5 minutes. Rinse the face covering thoroughly with cool water. Air dry, in direct sunlight, when possible. Wash hands for 30 seconds after washing the mask
  • Face coverings must be completely dry before wearing
  • Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands for 30 seconds immediately after removing the mask. Be sure not to touch the outside of the mask when removing
  • Employees with healthcare provider documentation stating that they are not medically able to tolerate face coverings cannot be required to do so
  • Care should be given to strenuous activity and face coverings. Masks breaks should be more frequent for people engaging in aerobic job functions or activities
  • Face coverings may be challenging for employees and students (especially younger students) to wear in all-day settings such as school, so CVES will encourage the scheduling “mask breaks” throughout the day
  • Students with special needs or students who are medically fragile may not be able to wear a face covering, maintain social/physical distancing, or practice healthy hygiene behaviors. Transitioning these students back to school will require the planning and coordination of:
    • CVES Case Managers
    • Component school district CSE Chairperson
    • CVES school health services personnel
    • CVES Administration
  • Alternate plans created in consultation with school health services personnel on how to meet the needs of the child while keeping social distancing may include:
    • Additional PPE for staff caring for such students
    • Assigning only one staff member to care for the student: and/or
    • Decreased students in a classroom, alternating schedules, and provision of related services to an individual instead of group setting
  • If parents and/or guardians choose not to send their child back to school, CVES may provide instruction remotely

 

Healthy Hygiene Practices

  • Healthy hygiene practices will be re-taught to the entire school community. Employees, students, and persons in parental relation, will be strongly encouraged to practice healthy hand and respiratory hygiene. CVES will post signs throughout our school buildings and regularly share healthy hygiene messages with building occupants and through CVES communications. Signage and communication should be used to remind people to:
    • Stay home if they are sick
    • Adhere to social/physical distancing instructions
    • Report symptoms of, or exposure to, COVID-19
    • Follow hand hygiene, and cleaning and disinfecting guidelines
    • Follow respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette

Hand Hygiene

  • Touching of shared objects and surfaces is discouraged
  • When in contact with shared objects or frequently touched areas, employees are encouraged to wash hands before and after contact
  • Examples of some frequently touched areas in CVES buildings:
    • Classroom desks and chairs
    • Lunchroom tables and chairs
    • Door handles and push plates
    • Handrails
    • Kitchen and bathroom faucets
    • Light switches
    • Handles on equipment
    • Buttons on vending machines
    • Shared telephones
    • Shared desktops
    • Shared computer keyboards and mice
    • Bus seats and handrails
  • Frequently touched surfaces and objects will be cleaned and disinfected throughout the school day to further reduce the risk of germs on surfaces and objects.

Note: Computer keyboards are difficult to clean due to the spaces between keys and the sensitivity of its hardware to liquids. When shared, they may contribute to indirect transmission. Locations with community-use computer(s) will have signs displaying proper hand hygiene before and after using the computers to minimize disease transmission.

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing noses, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place
  • Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol, if soap and water are not available. Additionally, employees should:
    • Wash hands or use 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol hand sanitizer after putting on or taking off the face covering
    • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol hand sanitizer
    • Always practice hand hygiene protocols, especially while on district premises

Respiratory Hygiene

  • The COVID-19 virus spreads from person-to-person in droplets produced by coughs and sneezes. Therefore, it is important that students and staff cover their mouths or noses with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of the tissue appropriately.
  • Tissues will be available in each room when feasible. If no tissue is available, using the inside of the elbow (or shirtsleeve) to cover the mouth or nose is preferable to using the hands. Always perform hand hygiene after sneezing, coughing and handling dirty tissues or other soiled material.

Individuals at High Risk

  • CVES administrators will have conversations with employees if they express concerns. Some people may be at higher risk of severe illness. This includes older adults (65 years and older) and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions.
  • Students who have family members who are in high risk groups, attend school remotely.

By using strategies that help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, you will help protect the entire school community, including those at higher risk.

These strategies include:

  • Implementing telework and other social distancing practices
  • Actively encouraging employees to stay home when sick
  • Promoting hand washing and healthy hygiene behaviors
  • Providing supplies and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment PPE for cleaning and disinfecting workspaces
  • In workplaces where it’s not possible to eliminate face-to-face contact, CVES will consider assigning higher risk employees work tasks that allow them to maintain a 6-foot distance from others, to the extent practicable

Front Desk/Greeter Safety

  • Use of sign-in sheets
    • Greeters will sign in and out all visitors to our building(s), thereby avoiding the use of shared writing utensils and clipboards for sign-in procedures
    • If the visitor fills out the document, sign-in pens need to be disinfected in between uses
  • Drop off items to students/staff
    • By appointment only, define to the school community that items should only be dropped off if absolutely necessary
    • Avoid greeter handling of items
    • Have students/staff come to retrieve items
    • Have a bin for parents to place items and students/staff to retrieve items
  • Visitor management
    • If the space is small, only allow one person in the greeter area (foyer, office)
    • Add markings to floor or sidewalk at 6-foot intervals to keep visitors socially distanced
    • Send out communication in advance of opening the building to the school community about the new procedures that are in place
    • Post signage to explain how the new procedures work
    • Visitors will be required to wear a face covering/mask upon entry to the building
  • Mask offering
    • If a visitor is not wearing a face covering/mask upon entry they will be directed to put one on
    • Make face coverings/masks available to each visitor if needed
    • Do not leave containers of face coverings/masks where they would be touched or contaminated by staff or visitors
    • Display signage on how to properly wear a face covering/mask
  • Temperature Monitoring for Visitors Who Appear Ill
    • School nurses may be asked to take the temperature of visitors to school property when there is reason to believe that the person may be ill
    • If someone is sneezing, coughing or appears ill, he or she may not enter the building
  • Extra Supplies
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • Extra supply of face covering/masks
    • Disinfecting wipes or cleaning supplies

Engagement with Visitors

Visitors must follow the CVES screening procedure for entry into CVES facilities, the 6-foot social distancing mandate, and regulations for wearing face coverings to limit the spread of illness while on site

  • Limit nonessential visitors to all school buildings, including the district office and off-campus locations such as ISC and One Work Source
  • Records are to be maintained of every person, including workers and visitors, who may have close contact with other individuals at the work site or area; excluding deliveries that are performed with appropriate PPE or through contactless means.
  • Establish designated areas for pick-ups and deliveries, limiting contact to the extent possible.
  • Do not allow outside vendors to enter the building
  • Hold all parent meetings and other meetings by phone/virtual conferences to the extent practicable
  • Public use of CVES facilities is not permitted until further notice
  • Discontinue the use of toys, magazines, and other shared items in waiting areas
  • Provide a protective barrier for reception areas
  • Eliminate reception seating areas to one chair (two or more is acceptable if social/physical distancing is possible)
  • Request that visitors phone ahead from the parking lot
  • Confirm the necessity of the visit
  • Phone calls, e-mail, mail, or video conference should be used whenever possible

Delivery of Items to CVES Buildings

  • If there is limited access/contact there is no need to trace their presence. However, a best practice approach would be to limit delivery access to our buildings as much as possible (meet the person outside).
    • Personnel with limited access/contact between buildings may be considered:
      • Maintenance personnel
      • IT personnel
      • United Parcel Service
      • Federal Express
      • Food Delivery

Communication

Communication will consider the school community (e.g. staff, families, students, vendors, community) and the needs of each audience when creating informational materials. These materials will include but are not limited to the creation of sample messages/letters for COVID-19 cases or potential cases, and instructional communications that address daily screening procedures, hand washing, and the use and care of face coverings. (Samples should be ready to go prior to the opening of buildings.) Utilize communication methods generally used by CVES to inform the school community. Information should be dispersed in a variety of platforms that could include:

  • CVES website
  • Call list/ROBO Call
  • Email blast
  • Online training
  • Correspondence (letters) to homes
  • CVES social media accounts
  • Town Hall Meetings (Zoom, WebEx, Google Classroom, etc.)

Clear messaging will be prepared and consistently communicated before re-entry, on the first day, during the first week, through Open House’s (to extend communication), and throughout the first month. Minimum monthly communication should provide information on the following topics:

  • Who to contact with questions, concerns or suggestions?
  • Empower people to make a positive difference related to the health of the school community and communicate the expectation for them to do so
  • The facts as we currently know them (NYSDOH, CDC)
  • The importance of social distancing, monitoring symptoms of COVID-19 and when to stay home
  • Share and reinforce protocols for entrance screening for staff, visitors, and students.
  • Review process for staff calling in sick. Constant reminders for staff to stay home if they feel sick
  • Encourage following new social distancing in bathrooms, break rooms, hallways, etc. Installing social distancing markers on the floors, etc.
  • Practice proper hand hygiene. Staff can use hand sanitizer but hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is still more effective. Hand sanitizer works best on clean hands
  • Encourage and practice proper respiratory etiquette (i.e. coughing or sneezing into your elbow if a tissue is not available)
  • Encouraging personal responsibility for yourself and your work area;
  • Educating the school community on CVES policies/procedures including how to properly wear and dispose of a face mask/respirator

Clearly communicate to the school community the various measures that have been taken to keep occupants safe:

  • Steps taken to protect the health and safety of all building occupants. This communication will include a list or table of changes from March to Now (“New Normal”). New processes and expectations going forward: daily screening procedures, visitor management, new occupancy limits, face covering guidelines, social/physical distancing, frequent hand washing, good cough/sneeze etiquette, etc.
  • Updates and changes to emergency response procedures (Lockdown, etc.) to allow for social/physical distancing, face coverings
  • Communication should also be provided for what hasn’t changed, like security practices, staff expectations, learning goals, etc.

Cleaning and Disinfection of School Facilities, Equipment and Grounds

  • Initiatives taken by CVES to clean/disinfect the school
    • Providing staff with a list of chemicals that will be used district-wide
    • Enforcing use of only CVES-approved chemicals
    • Providing staff with cleaning supplies to use if desired
    • Establishing and communicating any changes to building cleaning schedules (i.e. daily routine, disinfection of common high touch surfaces). High touch surfaces could include (not an all-inclusive list):
      • Doorknobs
      • Light switches
      • Handrails
      • Faucet handles
      • Touch screens/phones/tablets
      • Copier controls

Mental Health Resources

  • Provide a list and contact information for what mental health supports will be in place for staff who need social-emotional assistance when returning to work. Examples include:
    • CVES staff members (counselors/school psychologists)
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • County resources

Personal Property

  • Personal items not required for school should be left at home (i.e., toys, playing cards, sports equipment, personal headphones, etc.)
  • Personal items should be labeled prior to entering the school building and kept in a separate bag or area specifically for personal items from home (e.g., refillable water bottles, school supplies, cell phones, books, instruments, etc.)

Posters/Signage

At a minimum CVES will place:

  • Posters throughout our buildings reminding people to wash their hands, practice healthy hygiene behaviors, social/physical distance from others, and to wear a face covering in public areas
  • Posters in Restrooms reminding building occupants to wash their hands, follow adjusted Occupancy guidelines for smaller spaces, and how reduce the spread of COVID-19
  • Signs on Main Entrances and exterior doors explaining the screening procedures for employees, visitors and students, the mandatory and expected behaviors once inside the building (practice healthy hygiene behaviors, social/physical distance from others, and to wear a face covering in public areas), and to stay home if you are sick

Website/Social Media:

Notices will be placed on the CVES website and social media accounts indicating changes and expectations for returning to school.

Training

At a minimum CVES will:

  • Provide all required trainings in addition to COVID-19 specific trainings (Right to Know, Blood Borne Pathogens, School Safety)
  • Provide training on hand washing to CVES employees and students. Offer virtual hand washing training(s) to parents and guardians
  • Provide training for CVES employees and students on appropriate use of wearing, sizing, removing and disposing of PPE. Offer virtual face covering training(s) to parents and guardians
  • Provide training for CVES employees, students, and parents on the CVES Daily Screening process for employees, visitors, and students
  • Confirm that substitutes are willing to work and that they are trained, in advance, on new policies/procedures and protocols

 

Daily Screening Process for Employees/Visitors and Employees Returning to Work After Diagnosis with COVID-19

  • CVES is actively analyzing shift times to prevent overcrowding at entrances and exits, and the total number of employees on campus at one time
  • CVES will utilize self-reporting as the way to track and document

 

Procedure for Employees Before They Get to Work

Do not come to work if:

  • You have tested positive for COVID-19 or a presumed diagnosis by your physician or other healthcare provider
  • If you have been in contact with a person with an actual positive COVID-19 test or presumed COVID-19 diagnosis by their healthcare provider
  • You feel sick, contact your physician or other healthcare provider to discuss your medical condition
  • Within the last 14 days, you have traveled internationally or to a state(s) with significant community spread of COVID-19
  • Notify your immediate supervisor immediately (follow CVES protocol)

If you feel sick while at work:

  • If you start to feel sick when at a building, contact the school nurse during the school day, and follow their instructions
  • If after hours, or if no nurse is available, contact your direct supervisor and leave the building immediately. Your supervisor will make the necessary CVES contacts
  • Contact your physician or other healthcare provider to discuss your medical condition

 

Daily Screening and Posting of Signage Prior to Entering the Building

In order to maintain a healthy workplace, and in accordance with NYSDOH guidelines, CVES is implementing a health screening assessment for all employees and visitors.

  • Employees and visitors are now required to attest to the following four statements each time they enter a CVES building:
  1. I am feeling healthy and well today (I do not have: a fever over 100°, chills, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea)
  2. Within the last 14 days, I have not tested positive for COVID-19 nor have I been diagnosed as COVID-19 positive by a healthcare provider
  3. Within the last 14 days, I have not been in close contact with anyone who has a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19
  4. Within the last 14 days, I have not traveled internationally or to a state(s) with significant community spread of COVID-19
  • Employees confirm these statements are true by swiping their identification badge to gain access into the building
  • In the event you are coming into the building at the same time as someone else, please wait and let the door close, so you can swipe your identification badge as well
  • If the person cannot answer “true” to all the questions, the employee/visitor is not allowed to enter and should be directed to contact their direct supervisor and their healthcare professional.
  • Exterior doors to each campus will be locked. Staff will be required to swipe into the building every time they enter (excluding ISC).
  • At ISC, staff will be required to check in and out when they enter and exit the building. Signs will be posted on the door and staff must read the posting and attest to it prior to entrance.

Refusing to Comply with Screening Procedures

  • If the employee/visitor refuses screening they will not be allowed to enter the building. Employees will be charged their paid time off/sick time for that day.

Temperature Readings

  • NYSDOH temperature threshold of 100.0⁰F will be used in all CVES facilities.

 

CVES Screening Log (for employees with no swipe access):

Screener Name: _________________________________________________

Job title: _______________________________________________________

Reviewed by: ___________________________________________________

Date of Review: _________________________________________________

Sample Log:

Name (Employee ID) Date Time Screening Questions Answered?

(Y/N)

Allow access into building? (Y/N)

 

When at all possible, please follow existing policy for returning to work.

If an employee’s body temperature is at or above 100⁰F the employee must be sent home immediately and the following completed:

  • Date the employee was sent home: ____________
  • Are visible signs of respiratory illness present? _____ Yes _____ No

The employee may return to work if a Healthcare Provider/Public Health confirms the cause of the employees’ fever or other symptoms is not COVID-19 and provides appropriate documentation for the employee to return to work (refer to NYSDOH Interim guidance for Public and Private Employees Returning to Work Following COVID-19 Infection or Exposure for more information.)

 

Positive/Suspect Cases of COVID-19

Understand that no one with symptoms associated with COVID-19 not explained by a chronic health condition should be present at the workplace. Employees should inform their supervisor, prior to coming to the workplace.

CVES will follow NYSDOH and Local DOH guidance.

  • Information will be provided to the employee if they are sent home
  • Healthcare locations and testing resources
  • Notification to Local DOH of where contact may have occurred between people
  • Local DOH will want to know where positive cases are located (communicate with local DOH to ensure possible shared cases are reported to different counties and jurisdictions)

Management of Ill Persons

  • Staff with symptoms of illness must be sent to the health office. Ideally a school nurse should assess individuals as chronic conditions such as asthma and allergies or chronic gastrointestinal conditions may present the same symptoms as COVID-19 but are neither contagious nor pose a public health threat.
  • If a school nurse is not available, CVES will isolate and dismiss any staff member who has a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 that are not explained by a chronic health condition for follow up with a health care provider.

The CDC and NYSDOH recommend:

  • Closing off areas used by a sick person and not using these areas until after cleaning and disinfection has occurred;
  • Opening outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
  • Waiting at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfection. If waiting 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible;
  • Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, such as offices, classrooms, bathrooms, lockers, and common areas.
  • Once the area has been appropriately cleaned and disinfected it can be reopened for use.
  • Individuals without close or proximate contact with the person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 can return to the area and resume school activities immediately after cleaning and disinfection.
  • Refer to DOH’s Interim Guidance for Public and Private Employees Returning to Work Following COVID-19 Infection or Exposure for information on “close and proximate” contacts.
  • If more than seven days have passed since the person who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 visited or used the facility, additional cleaning and disinfection is not necessary, but routine cleaning and disinfection should continue.
  • If a separate room is not available, keep at least a 6-foot distance between ill students and other persons. A facemask (e.g., cloth or surgical mask) must be provided to the ill person, if they can tolerate wearing it and does not cause difficulty breathing, to prevent the possible transmission of the virus to others while waiting for transportation home.

It is recommended that:

  • Symptomatic staff members follow CDC’s Stay Home When You Are Sick guidance unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider or the local department of health. If the staff member has emergency warning signs such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to arouse, bluish lips or face, call 911 and notify the operator that the person may have COVID-19;

Return to School after Illness

  • CVES will follow CDC guidance for allowing a student or staff member to return to school after exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. If a person is not diagnosed by a healthcare provider (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) with COVID-19 they can return to school:
    • Once there is no fever, without the use of fever reducing medicines, and they have felt well for 24 hours;
    • If they have been diagnosed with another condition and has a healthcare provider written note stating that they are clear to return to school. If a person is diagnosed with COVID-19 by a healthcare provider based on a test or their symptoms or does not get a COVID-19 test but has had symptoms, they should not be at school and should stay at home until:
      • It has been at least ten days since the individual first had symptoms
      • It has been at least three days since the individual has had a fever (without using fever reducing medicine) and
      • It has been at least three days since the individual’s symptoms improved, including cough and shortness of breath
    • The CDC provides specific guidance for individuals who are on home isolation regarding when the isolation may end. Discontinuation of Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 Not in Healthcare Settings.
    • CDC recommendations for discontinuing isolation in persons known to be infected with COVID-19 could, in some circumstances, appear to conflict with recommendations on when to discontinue quarantine for persons known to have been exposed to COVID-19. CDC recommends 14 days of quarantine after exposure based on the time it may take to develop illness if infected. Thus, it is possible that a person known to be infected could leave isolation earlier than a person who is quarantined because of the possibility they are infected.

Close Contact with an Infected Person

Employees may have been exposed if they are within approximately 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time (15 minutes):

  • Potentially exposed employees who have symptoms of COVID-19 should quarantine and follow local health department guidance and CDC recommended steps
  • Potentially exposed employees, or a close contact of an infected person who does not have symptoms, should remain at home or in a comparable setting and quarantine for 14 days

All other employees should self-monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath. If they develop symptoms, they should notify their supervisor and stay home.

When an employee tests positive

In most cases, the entire facility will not need to shut down. Specific areas used for prolonged periods of time by the sick person will be closed then:

  • Wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting to minimize potential for other employees being exposed to respiratory droplets. If waiting 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible
  • During this waiting period, if practicable, open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in these areas
  • The notification of a positive case should come from the local Department of Health. Follow their recommendations for contact tracing, isolation, quarantine and potential closure if different than the above information


Daily Screening Process for Students and Students Returning to School After Diagnosis with COVID-19

General Practices:

Parents and guardians must be provided resources to educate them regarding the careful observation of symptoms of COVID-19 and health screening that must be conducted each morning before coming to school. Parents/guardians and students must be instructed that any student with a fever of 100°F or greater and/or symptoms of possible COVID-19 virus may not enter a CVES facility.

  • CVES may screen students who are unable to tolerate face coverings and self-isolation in an Isolation Room prior to entering CVES facilities
  • CVES will have parents/guardian(s) self-monitor symptoms, answer screening questions, and/or monitor student temperatures
  • Best Practice is to have this process completed outside in the form of a drive-through screening. If drive-through is not feasible; screening should be done at the entrance of the buildings. Students should maintain social distancing and use hand sanitizer before waiting in line
  • If taking temperatures prior to entering school buildings/property (buses)
    • Create corridors (outside, but preferably covered) where students can enter the facility through a temperature-checking line
    • Have multiple such lines and entrances if possible, to reduce crowding
    • Consider placing markings (whether in tape or otherwise) on the ground in the corridor to demarcate six (6)-foot lengths to provide for greater social distancing by employees while in line

Do Not Come to School if the Student:

  • Has tested positive for COVID-19 or a presumed diagnosis by a physician or other healthcare provider
  • Has been in contact with a person with an actual positive COVID-19 test or presumed COVID-19 diagnosis by their healthcare provider
  • Feels sick, contact your physician or other healthcare provider to discuss your medical condition
  • Notify district administration, building principal and/or attendance office

 

Daily Screening and Posting of Signage Prior to Entering the Building (if not providing screening in advance) Students are now required to attest to the following four statements each time they enter a CVES building:

  1. I am feeling healthy and well today (I do not have: a fever over 100°, chills, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea)
  2. Within the last 14 days, I have not tested positive for COVID-19 nor have I been diagnosed as COVID-19 positive by a healthcare provider
  3. Within the last 14 days, I have not been in close contact with anyone who has a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19
  4. Within the last 14 days, I have not traveled internationally or to a state(s) with significant community spread of COVID-19

If the student cannot answer “true” to all the questions, the student is not allowed to enter and should be directed to follow the absentee protocol for their building and contact their health care professional.

  • If the answer is “true”, students can enter the building and be provided a face covering if the student does not have one. The student will be asked to wash their hands prior to reporting to their designated class/area.
  • Assessment responses will be reviewed every day and documented.

 

Refusing to Comply with Screening Procedures

If the student refuses to answer the screening questions, they will not be allowed to enter the building.

Temperature Readings

CVES is utilizing the NYSDOH recommended temperature of 100.⁰ F.

 

Student Screening Log (if applicable):

Screener Name: _________________________________________________

Job title: _______________________________________________________

Reviewed by: ___________________________________________________

Date of Review: _________________________________________________

Sample Log:

Student Name Date Time Screening Questions Answered? (Y/N) Allow access into building? (Y/N)

 

If a students’ body temperature is at or above 100°, Contact the school nurse. After evaluation, the student must be sent home immediately and the following information noted:

  • Date the student was sent home: ____________
  • Are visible signs of respiratory illness present? _____ Yes _____ No

The student may return to school earlier if a Healthcare Provider/Public Health confirms the cause of the students’ fever or other symptoms is not COVID-19 and provides appropriate documentation for the student to return to school. Refer to guidance provided by NYSDOH and/or local DOH guidance.

Positive/Suspect Cases of COVID-19

Anyone exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID-19 not explained by a chronic health condition should not be present in a CVES facility.

Please follow NYSDOH and Local DOH guidance.

  • Information should be provided to the student if they are sent home
  • NYSDOH COVID-19 Fact Sheet
  • Healthcare locations and testing resources
  • Notification to Local DOH of where contact may have occurred between people
  • Local DOH will want to know where positive cases are located (different county communication)

Management of Ill Persons

  • Students and staff with symptoms of illness must be sent to the health office. Ideally a school nurse (Registered Professional Nurse, RN) is available to assess individuals as chronic conditions such as asthma and allergies or chronic gastrointestinal conditions may present the same symptoms as COVID-19 but are neither contagious nor pose a public health threat.
  • If a school nurse is not available, schools will have to isolate and dismiss any student who has a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 that are not explained by a chronic health condition for follow up with a health care provider.
  • Administrators should work collaboratively with school nurses to determine if additional staff is needed to assist with non-nursing tasks such as:
    • Student supervision;
    • Telephone calls, text, or emails to parent/guardians; and
    • Assistance with completing any required paperwork other than nursing documentation.

If Students become Ill with Symptoms of COVID-19 at School

  • CVES will follow Education Law § 906, which provides whenever…a student in the public schools shows symptoms of any communicable or infectious disease reportable under the public health law that imposes a significant risk of infection of others in the school, he or she shall be excluded from the school and sent home immediately, in a safe and proper conveyance. A school nurse shall immediately notify a local public health agency of any disease reportable under the public health law. The director of school health services, or other health professionals acting upon the direction or referral of such director, may make such evaluations of students and school employees, school buildings and premises as, in their discretion, they may deem necessary to protect the health of the students and staff.
  • CVES staff must immediately report any illness of students to the school nurse or other designated school staff. Such reports should be made in compliance with FERPA, and Education Law 2-d.
  • If nurses choose to go to classrooms to make assessments of students, this also should be done in a manner that protects the student’s confidentiality. If there are several students waiting to see the school nurse, arrangements should be made to have students wait at least 6 feet apart. Ideally schools should have two rooms for school health personnel – one room for healthy students who have injuries or need their medications or nursing treatments, and another room for assessing and caring for ill students and staff. Both rooms require a supervising adult to be present and should have easy access to a bathroom and sink with hand hygiene supplies.
  • School nurses and other school health professionals assessing or providing care to ill students and staff should follow the CDC’s Transmission-based precautions which includes the use of appropriate PPE (see section on PPE).
  • Isolation Room(s) will have a window to the hallway or a vision panel in the door for staff to monitor without entering
  • CVES will dismiss any student who has a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 that are not explained by a chronic health condition for follow up with their health care provider.
  • CVES will dismiss any student who has a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 that are not explained by a chronic health condition for follow-up with their health care provider.
  • Students suspected of having COVID-19 awaiting transport home by the parent/guardian must be isolated in a room or area separate from others, with a supervising adult present utilizing appropriate PPE. Multiple students suspected of COVID-19 may be in this isolation room if they can be separated by at least 6 feet
  • The following information will be collected:
    • Date the student was sent home: ____________
    • Are visible signs of respiratory illness present? _____ Yes _____ No
  • Staff will escort the ill student outside to the person picking them up from school
    • Determine who is the most appropriate person to pick up the student based on the epidemic (consider age and health conditions)
  • CVES will adhere to the following CDC and NYSDOH recommendations:
  • Closing off areas used by a sick person and not using these areas until after cleaning and disinfection has occurred;
  • Opening outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
  • Waiting at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfection. If waiting 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible;
  • Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, such as offices, classrooms, bathrooms, lockers, and common areas.
  • Once the area has been appropriately cleaned and disinfected it can be reopened for use.
  • Individuals without close or proximate contact with the person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 can return to the area and resume school activities immediately after cleaning and disinfection.
  • Refer to DOH’s “Interim Guidance for Public and Private Employees Returning to Work Following COVID-19 Infection or Exposure” for information on “close and proximate” contacts.
  • If more than seven days have passed since the person who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 visited or used the facility, additional cleaning and disinfection is not necessary, but routine cleaning and disinfection should continue.
  • If a separate room is not available, keep at least a 6-foot distance between ill students and other persons. A facemask (e.g., cloth or surgical mask) must be provided to the ill person if they can tolerate wearing it and does not have difficulty breathing, to prevent the possible transmission of the virus to others while waiting for transportation home.
  • The parent or guardian WILL be instructed to call their health care provider, or if they do not have a health care provider, to follow up with a local clinic or urgent care center;
  • Symptomatic students should follow CDC’s Stay Home When You Are Sick guidance unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider or the local department of health. If the student has emergency warning signs such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to arouse, bluish lips or face, call 911 and notify the operator that the person may have COVID-19;
  • CVES staff will be made aware of the symptoms of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 which is a serious condition associated with COVID-19 in children and youth
  • The school nurse will notify the parent/guardian if their child shows any of the following symptoms and recommend the child be referred for immediate follow up with a healthcare provider:
    • Fever
    • Abdominal pain
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Neck pain
    • Rash
    • Bloodshot eyes
    • Feeling extra tired

Return to School after Illness

  • Schools must follow CDC guidance for allowing a student or staff member to return to school after exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. If a person is not diagnosed by a healthcare provider (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) with COVID-19 they can return to school:
    • Once there is no fever, without the use of fever reducing medicines, and they have felt well for 24 hours
    • If they have been diagnosed with another condition and has a healthcare provider written note stating, they are clear to return to school
  • If a person is diagnosed with COVID-19 by a healthcare provider based on a test or their symptoms or does not get a COVID-19 test but has had symptoms, they should not be at school and should stay at home until:
    • It has been at least ten days since the individual first had symptoms
    • It has been at least three days since the individual has had a fever (without using fever reducing medicine) and
    • It has been at least three days since the individual’s symptoms improved, including cough and shortness of breath
  • The CDC provides specific guidance for individuals who are on home isolation regarding when the isolation may end. Discontinuation of Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 Not in Healthcare Settings.
  • CDC recommendations for discontinuing isolation in persons known to be infected with COVID-19 could, in some circumstances, appear to conflict with recommendations on when to discontinue quarantine for persons known to have been exposed to COVID-19. CDC recommends 14 days of quarantine after exposure based on the time it may take to develop illness if infected. Thus, it is possible that a person known to be infected could leave isolation earlier than a person who is quarantined because of the possibility they are infected.
  • The student may return to school earlier if a Healthcare Provider/Public Health confirms the cause of the students’ fever or other symptoms is not COVID-19 and provides appropriate documentation for the student to return to school. Refer to guidance provided by NYSDOH and/or local DOH guidance.

All other students should self-monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath. If they develop symptoms, they should notify their supervisor and stay home.

Close Contact with an Infected Person

Students may have been exposed if they are within approximately 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 for a prolonged period (15 minutes):

  • Potentially exposed employees who have symptoms of COVID-19 should quarantine and follow local health department guidance and CDC recommended steps
  • Potentially exposed student(s), or a close contact of an infected person who does not have symptoms, should remain at home or in a comparable setting and quarantine for 14 days

All other students/parents/guardians should monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath. If they develop symptoms, parents/guardians should notify and follow school policy for attendance, alert that there are COVID-like symptoms and stay home.

When a Student Tests Positive:

In most cases, the entire facility will not need to shut down. But do close off any areas used for prolonged periods of time by the sick person:

  • Wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting to minimize potential for other employees/students being exposed to respiratory droplets. If waiting 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible
  • During this waiting period, if practicable, open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in these areas
  • The notification of a positive case should come from the local Department of Health. Follow their recommendations for contact tracing, isolation, quarantine and potential closure if different than the above information

Definitions

Quarantine – Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department.

Isolation – Isolation is used to separate people infected with the virus (those who are sick with COVID-19 and those with no symptoms) from people who are not infected. People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. In the home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick room” or area and using a separate bathroom (if available).

Social/Physical Distancing – Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people. To practice social or physical distancing: Stay at least 6 feet from other people.

Closure Considerations

When a person has been identified (confirmed) or suspected to be COVID-19 positive; the process could include:

  • Having school administrators collaborate and coordinate with local health officials to make school closure and large event cancellation decisions.
  • Establish a plan to close schools again for physical attendance of students, if necessary, based on public health guidance and in coordination with the Local DOH. Establishing a decision-making tree at the district level.
  • Develop a plan for continuity of education, medical and social services, and meal programs and establish alternate mechanisms for these to continue.
  • Schools might need to implement short-term closure procedures regardless of community spread if an infected person has been in a school building. If this happens, CDC recommends the following procedures:
    • Closing off areas used by ill person(s) and locking off area(s), signage can also be used to ensure no one enters the area. If possible, wait 24 hours before you clean and disinfect. If it is not possible to wait 24 hours, wait as long as possible. Do not use the area(s) until cleaning and disinfection has taken place.
    • Opening outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
    • Cleaning staff should clean and disinfect all areas (e.g., offices, bathrooms, and common areas) used by the ill person(s), focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces.
    • Communicating as soon as possible with staff, parents, and students.
  • Using DOH guidance/procedures for when someone tests positive.
    • In consultation with the Local DOH, a school official may consider whether school closure is warranted and period of time (prior to Reopening) based on the risk level within the specific community as determined by the Local DOH.
    • In accordance with guidance for quarantine at home after close contact, the classroom or office where the COVID-19-positive individual was based will typically need to close temporarily as students or staff quarantine.
    • Additional close contacts at school outside of a classroom should also quarantine at home.
  • Keeping in mind that the closing of schools could be a regional decision.
    • 7 metrics – NYS Dashboard
      • Schools will re-open if a region is in Phase IV and the daily infection rate remains below 5% using a 14-day average
      • Schools will close if the regional infection rate is greater than 9% using a 7-day average after August 1, 2020
  • Thresholds will be determined on a case-by-case basis dependent on the numbers (school closures may be a response).
  • Buildings may consider closing if required cleaning products (bleach and water can be used as a cleaning product) and Personal Protective Equipment PPE are not available

Contact Tracing

The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) & Essex County Health Department (ECHD) will conduct case investigation and contact tracing for individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19. Contact tracing is part of the case investigation and is a process to identify, monitor, and support individuals who may have been exposed to a person with COVID-19.

  • CCHD & ECHD staff will:
    • Issue a health department Order of Isolation to all lab confirmed positive cases and monitor cases per existing guidelines – minimum 10 day isolation from either symptom onset (symptomatic individuals) or first positive test (asymptomatic individuals).
    • Identify potential contacts through interview of the person with COVID-19 (or parent/guardian).
      • The positive person (or parent/guardian for children) is interviewed by CCHD & ECHD staff, who elicit information about the person’s illness, determine when they may have become infectious and determine other people who might have been exposed.
      • The potentially exposed individuals (or parents/guardians) are then interviewed and persons who are determined to be close contacts are issued health Orders of Quarantine for 14 days from the date of last exposure.
      • For both cases and close contacts, public health staff will monitor their health status and compliance with disease control measures.
      • All cases and contacts will be linked to testing, treatment, or other resources, as needed and appropriate.
    • Any contact who becomes symptomatic will be referred for testing and if positive will be converted to a case, where the initial process will start over again.
  • CVES staff will:
    • Provide all necessary tracking information that will help narrow the scope of the investigation to include only the individuals that meet the pre-defined criteria of a contact.
    • Participate in interviews conducted by CCHD & ECHD.
    • Align return to school policies for COVID-19 cases and contacts with CCHD & ECHD isolation and quarantine time frames and release documentation.
  • CVES has appointed two administrators, Eric Bell Assistant Superintendent of Management Services and Teri Calabrese-Gray Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & 21st Century Learning, to assist our local public health departments in knowing who may have had contact at school with a confirmed case by:
    • Keeping accurate attendance records of students and staff members
    • Ensuring student schedules are up to date
    • Keeping a log of any visitors which includes date, time and where in the school they visited
    • Assist local health departments in tracing all contacts of the individual at school in accordance with the protocol, training, and tools provided through the New York State Contact Tracing Program. This does not mean schools are required to have staff members take the contract tracing program. Questions should be directed to the local health department
    • Confidentiality must be maintained as required by federal and state laws and regulations
    • School staff should not try to determine who is to be excluded from school based on contact without guidance and direction from the local department of health

**As per the local department of health school districts are not expected to conduct contact tracing activities or make final determinations on potential exposures. They will work with CCHD and ECHD to ensure a prompt and thorough investigation for all scenarios where COVID-19 is confirmed or suspected. All existing protocols for the mitigation of communicable disease apply**

Special Considerations

Face Covering/Mask Break(s)

Face covering/mask break(s) will be scheduled throughout the day. Social/physical distancing must be maintained throughout the break.

Construction projects

  • The CVES Construction Manager will oversee the Construction Worker daily screening program CVES will obtain a copy of submission and affirmation that was provided to NYS.
  • Construction workers must wear face coverings or masks at all times when not able to physically distance. If one construction worker tests positive for COVID-19 then it is likely their co-workers will be quarantined for 14 days. This can drastically affect the project timeline and coordination with other subcontractors, as well as the final project cost.
  • The CVES Construction Manager will keep a daily log of all construction workers that enter CVES building(s); name, date, time in, time out. Swipe cards may also be used. This can be used for contact tracing if/when a person tests positive.

Hallways

  • Walk on the right side with your right shoulder toward the wall.
  • Where lines may form place floor markings every 6 feet.

Break rooms:

  • Temporarily remove amenities that are handled with high contact frequency, such as water coolers, coffee makers, toasters, refrigerators, and bulk snacks and replace them with alternatives
  • Use of these items by multiple people should be discouraged. If they must be used then each person should wipe the touch surfaces with disinfectant wipes or use a cleaning spray to wipe them off, before and after use
  • Communal meals will not be provided to employees, and food will not be available in common areas where employees may congregate
  • Stagger lunch breaks to minimize occupancy in break rooms and allow for social distancing
  • Congregating in kitchen areas should be discouraged
  • Seating and tables should promote social distancing
  • Postings and reminders must be placed in these areas
  • Cleaning and/or disinfecting supplies must be supplied in these areas

Training

NYS requires employers to train all personnel on new protocols and to frequently communicate safety guidelines. Train all personnel on the precautions listed below either remotely or in person. Use appropriate social distancing and require face coverings for all participants if training is conducted in person. Training material should be easy to understand and available in the appropriate language and literacy level for all workers.

  • Proper hand hygiene. Promote frequent and thorough hand washing by providing employees, the school community, and visitors with a place to wash their hands. If soap and running water are not immediately available, provide alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol. Provide training on proper handwashing and hand sanitizer use
  • Prevention of disease spread by staying home when they are sick
  • Proper respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes
  • Train employees to not use communal objects. If communal objects must be used provide information on proper disinfection procedures between use. Examples of communal objects include (but are not limited to): other workers’ phones, desks, offices, computers or other devices, other work tools and equipment
  • Provide workers with up-to-date education and training on COVID-19 risk factors and protective behaviors (i.e., cough etiquette and care of PPE)

Training for Screeners

Screeners should be trained by employer identified individuals familiar with CDC, DOH, and OSHA protocols and wear appropriate employer-provided PPE, including, at a minimum, a face covering.

Training topics for all staff and substitutes (but are not limited to)

  • Proper hand washing
    • Hand washing video (1:26)
  • Proper cough & sneeze etiquette
  • Social Distancing
    • Provide training for faculty/staff on how to address close contact interactions with students as part of every day job tasks
  • Operating procedures (various)
    • Entrance into the building
    • Cleaning procedures
    • Sick child pickup
    • Staff who are sick or suspected to be sickness
  • Proper cleaning techniques
  • Hazard Communication – Right-To-Know
    • Proper use of chemicals
    • No chemicals from home
    • Transfer of hand sanitizer in smaller containers
  • Exposure Control Plan – with a focus on Pandemic/COVID-19
  • Personal Protective Equipment – PPE
    • Update Hazard Assessment & Personal Protective Equipment PPE Selection Worksheet for all identified employees
    • Proper type, use, and size
    • Cleaning and sanitizing of the face covering (if applicable)
    • Provide training for staff and students on wearing, putting on, removing and discarding PPE including in the context of their current and potential duties
    • Use of face coverings (Donning/Doffing) (Cloth vs. Surgical) Send fact sheets home with students that provide similar education for parents
  • Respirator Protection (N95) (required for identified employees per NYS)
    • Inclusive into your existing Respirator Protection Program or can be a separate Respirator Protection Program for medical staff only
    • Training provided for identified personnel only
  • Mental Health Training (optional trainings)
    • Crisis identification
    • Mental health and wellbeing
    • Coping techniques
    • Mindfulness and empathy
    • Loss/sicknesses of parents, grandparents, friends, school members etc.

 

Emergency Response Protocols & Drills – COVID-19 Adapted (Evacuation Drills & Lockdown Drills)

The 2020-2021 school year may include hybrid models of the traditional school day. Emergency response drills, including evacuation and lockdown drills, may be spread across the different student populations dependent on the day each population is present the day the drills are scheduled.

Emergency Response Protocols:

  • Shelter-In-Place
  • Hold-In-Place
  • Evacuation
  • Lockout
  • Lockdown

Shelter-In-Place

CVES will identify areas that will be used for the Shelter-in-Place. Shelter-In-Place protocols will follow the same format with the following changes:

  • Provide 6 feet of space between students and staff during the Shelter-In-Place
  • Face coverings will be required throughout the event. If the event lasts for an extended period of time, the staff member can set-up a mask break schedule for participants
  • If 6 feet between staff and students cannot be achieved, face coverings must be worn throughout the event
  • Extra face coverings should be on hand in case a person does not have one
  • Listen for updates and respond accordingly

Hold-In-Place

Hold-In-Place protocols will follow the same format with the following changes:

  • Provide 6 feet of space between students and staff during the Hold-In-Place
  • Face coverings will be required throughout the event. If the event lasts for an extended period of time, the staff member can set-up a mask break schedule for participants
  • If 6 feet between people cannot be achieved, face coverings must be worn throughout the event
  • Extra face coverings should be on hand in case a person does not have one
  • Listen for updates and respond accordingly

Evacuate

Evacuation protocols will be the same with some minor adjustments:

  • Identify areas outside of the building in advance that will allow 6 feet of separation of students and staff. Verify that students and staff will not impede the arrival and activities of emergency responders
  • In effort to get all staff and students out of the building as quickly and efficiently as possible, face coverings should be worn at all times
  • Extra face coverings should be on hand in case a person does not have one
  • Identify, in advance, who will be holding the door to get out of the building, therefore reducing the amount of people touching the door hardware when leaving the building. Personnel that will be conducting this task may be assigned to holding the door for one or more classrooms or until confirmation that everyone has vacated the building
  • As written in the established protocols, bring all necessary items needed and consider adding the following items: extra face coverings, in the event a face covering becomes unusable and hand sanitizer
  • If no extra face coverings are available, instruct anyone that does not have a face covering to use their shirt to cover their nose and mouth during the event

Lockout

Lockout protocols will be the same, besides the use of face coverings and maintaining 6 feet of space and between students and staff in the area

Lockdown

During a Lockdown, there will be a violation of the 6-foot recommendation between people. In order to protect life safety, lockdown protocols will be mostly the same process as they have been conducted in the past.

  • Evaluate, in advance, if there is room to social distance without being in the line of sight
  • Face coverings must be worn throughout the event. If the event lasts for an extended period of time, the staff member can very quietly set-up a mask break schedule for participants
  • Extra face coverings should be on hand in case a person does not have one
  • Instruct anyone that does not have a face covering to use their shirt to cover their nose and mouth during the event
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