Updates from EUSD: Return to School
January 6, 2022
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Dear EUSD Community,
Happy New Year! I hope each of you had a safe and healthy break. I certainly realize the beginning of 2022 is starting with many concerns and questions as we see surges in COVID-19 cases all around us. I wanted to share updated guidance and information prior to our return on Monday, January 10th.
January 10th Return to School Information
We continue to make in person learning our top priority while doing so in the safest way possible. We will continue to utilize the many mitigation measures that we have put in place to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses. In addition, we will continue to provide testing for students and staff that are exposed and/or are experiencing symptoms. Testing for at school exposures is done through rapid antigen testing at the site. Testing for symptomatic individuals is done with PCR tests at Farm Lab.
Testing for Return
We are pleased that Encinitas Union School District was one of very few districts that were able to send home testing kits prior to the break to be used for testing to return to school. In order to reduce the chances of spread, quarantines and illness, it is critical that all students and staff test before returning. Although it is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged. At home kits should be used on Friday, January 7th and Sunday, January 9th and results should be noted in the link sent via email reminders on these dates. If you no longer have your test or did not get a test, please use one of the local testing locations available at this link.
Anyone with a positive test, or experiencing symptoms or who has been exposed to someone who is positive for COVID-19 should not return to school on Monday. Please report any absence as usual. PCR and antigen testing are available for students and staff at Farm Lab on Monday, January 10th from 7:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Updated Guidelines
There have been a number of updates from CDC and CDPH that will be in effect as we return. We do expect additional changes as CDPH makes some adjustments to the K-12 School Guidance documents. Additionally, a new decision tree from SDCOE is expected. At this time, please note the following changes:
In the event of an exposure to COVID-19:
Students who are “fully vaccinated” or within 90 days of recovery from COVID-19 (lab test required) are not required to quarantine. Modified quarantine for classroom exposures will still be in effect. However, they may continue all after school and community activities.
Employees who are booster eligible and are not boosted or are unvaccinated, including employees who are within 90 days of recovery from COVID-19 are required to quarantine at home for a minimum of 5 days and will need a negative test to return on day 6. To schedule an appointment for a vaccination or booster, please use this link.
The following changes will now be in effect for isolation when an employee or student tests positive for COVID-19:
Following a positive test for COVID-19 individuals may now return on Day 6 if the following criteria are met:
Evidence of a negative test from a lab collected on day 5-10. This can be an antigen test done by a lab or at Farm Lab, but it cannot be an at home test.
Symptoms are resolving
No fever for at least 24 hours without medication
Must be able to wear a mask indoors and outdoors with no exceptions
Must be able to eat separated from individuals by at least 6 feet
Universal Masking
Students and staff continue to be required to mask when indoors. Students and staff are not required to mask outdoors unless they are in the quarantine or returning from isolation scenarios reviewed above. Please see the infographic provided below.
More information regarding the proper types of masks can be found by visiting the CDC website by clicking here. A CDC Guide to Masks, including mask hygiene, can be found by clicking here.
EUSD continues to be diligent and intentional in creating a safe and healthy learning environment for students and staff. Thank you for your continued support. Our greatest successes come from working together. We look forward to seeing our students and staff back on Monday!
Warmly,
Andrée Grey, Ed.D.
Superintendent