SCPS IMPACT
January 19, 2022
IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING COVID-19 SCPS MITIGATION PROTOCOLS
At the January 18, 2022 school board meeting, staff provided recent CDC updates. Additionally, staff provided an overview of Executive Order #2 that Governor Youngkin signed on January 15, which directly impacts all school divisions and is effective January 24, 2022.
At the meeting, the school board voted to rescind the current mask requirement for students and visitors effective January 24, 2022, and to align mask practices with the Governor’s executive order. This does not apply to school buses as the federal requirement regarding wearing face masks on all forms of public transportation, which includes school buses, remains in place.
Furthermore, it is important to note that Executive Order #2 only provides preliminary guidance to schools. Our employees are still required to wear masks under VOSH standard 16 VAC 25-220-10. Additionally, as stated in Directive #5 in the executive order, the State Superintendent of Instruction will issue new, in-depth guidance for school divisions. We are awaiting further information from the Virginia Department of Education and we will update our ReEngage Plan as needed.
Also effective January 24, 2022, we will be revising our isolation and quarantine protocols to align with the new CDC guidance as follows:
Update to Isolation Protocol
People who are confirmed to have COVID-19 or are showing symptoms of COVID-19 need to isolate regardless of their vaccination status.
Isolate for at least 5 full days.
End isolation after 5 full days only if fever-free for 24 hours and if other symptoms have improved.
Wear a well-fitting mask around others for 5 additional days or isolate for 10 days if unable or choose not to wear a mask.
This update includes:
People who have a positive viral test for COVID-19, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms.
People with symptoms of COVID-19, including people who are awaiting test results or have not been tested.
People with symptoms should isolate even if they do not know if they have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
CDC recommends an isolation period of at least 10 and up to 20 days for people who were severely ill with COVID-19 and for people with weakened immune systems.
5 day isolation is not intended for those who cannot wear a mask, including children < 2 years of age and people of any age with certain disabilities,
Persons unable to wear a mask should isolate (if infected) and quarantine (if exposed) for 10 days.
Persons with moderate or severe illness related to COVID-19 illness should isolate for 10 days.
Update to Quarantine Protocol
Who does not need to quarantine after close contact:
You are age 18 or older and have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters and additional primary shots for some immunocompromised people.
You are age 5-17 years and completed the primary series of the COVID-19 vaccine.
You had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days (you tested positive using a viral test.
Who should quarantine after close contact:
You are age 18 or older and completed the primary series of recommended vaccines, but have not received a recommended booster shot when eligible.
You received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine (completing the primary series) over 2 months ago and have not received a recommended booster shot.
You are not vaccinated or have not completed a primary vaccine series.
All close contacts should:
Wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days OR quarantine for 10 days if you choose not to wear a mask/or can not wear a mask and return to school on day 11.
Get tested at least 5 days after having close contact with someone with COVID-19 unless recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days.
Individuals that are in quarantine on January 24, 2022, will adhere to this new isolation and quarantine protocol at that time. If you have any questions, please contact your school nurse or our Office of Health Services.
Thank you for your continued support.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Email: webmaster@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
Website: www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us
Location: 8020 River Stone Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Phone: 540-834-2500
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpotsylvaniaCountyPublicSchools/
Twitter: @SpotsySchools