As we are all too aware of, the summer of 2020 is like no other. For most people, summer includes travel of some sort. Maybe by plane, across the country or maybe a few miles from home, to a campground. Visiting friends and family during the summer (or having them come enjoy Virginia Beach) has typically been fine, but not for the summer of 2020. SIA understands the need to get away, see family or friends and try to salvage some of our usual summer experiences.
As we edge closer to the start of our school year, Monday, August 24, 2020, we ask that you keep a few things in mind if you are considering taking a last minute trip.
If your child or anyone in your home travels out of the country in the weeks prior to the start of school, your child will not be permitted to attend in building classes for 14 days following the return home.
- Per CDC guidelines, during this 14-day period, take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Watch for cough or trouble breathing
- Use this temperature log to monitor your temperature.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
More likely, your family may be considering a trip within the US. We are asking that SIA families consider limiting travel in the 14 days before we open school.
SIA reserves the right to exclude students from coming into school if they have recently traveled to an area that is experiencing a surge in COVID19 cases.
At this time, SIA will consider a surge or hotspot to be in a place in which the
percentage change in share of COVID-19 tests with positive results over the Past 14 days (Positivity Rate) is 10% or greater. An increase in reported cases may indicate a growing caseload, though it could also be the result of increased testing. However, used in conjunction with the change in positivity rate helps to demonstrate a trend.
If travel by airplane is part of your plan, please take extra precautions to prevent the transmission of illness:
- Check to see if your airline will be keeping the middle seats open, to help with social distancing.
- Plan to wear a face covering in the airport and the plane.
- Bring and use hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
- Keep your hands off your face.
- While we typically associate air travel as a vector for the spread of illness, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, but the proximity to other travelers who may potentially be sick and do not know remains a valid concern.
From the CDC: “Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Before you travel, learn if COVID-19 is spreading in your local area or in any of the places you are going.“
Keeping our school community healthy and safe is our primary objective this school year, but we need everyone’s help. Please consider sticking closer to home the two weeks prior to the start of school and remember that what you and your family does when away from school can directly affect people in our school. Do not hesitate to ask if you have concerns or questions about your travel plans.
