I'm writing with an important COVID-19 update and information on a SANDAG program offering free transit to students starting May 1.

The English versions of the COVID-19 Decision Trees and related frequently asked questions have been updated based on new guidance from the California Department of Public Health and county health department. Beginning today, students exposed in any setting will be allowed to remain in school unless they develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. Parents are expected to test their children on Day 3, 4, or 5 following their last exposure, and report positive test results and/or symptoms to the school. Students exposed by someone they live with may also continue to attend school if they do not have symptoms, with parents testing as soon as they know the student is a close contact and after the COVID-positive household member completes their isolation period, on Day 3, 4, or 5.

 

This change to the K-12 school guidance does not apply to employees. Employees are still subject to Cal/OSHA’s emergency temporary standards, which by virtue of Executive Order N-84-20, require adherence to the quarantine recommendations in the community guidance on isolation and quarantine.

 

The Spanish version of the Decision Tree and FAQ will be updated soon, and the team at UC San Diego will update the e-Decision Tree this weekend.

 

SANDAG's Youth Opportunity Transit Pass allows anyone 18 and under to ride San Diego transit (bus, trolley, Coaster, and Sprinter) for free for the next 14 months starting on May 1. There are several ways children and families can take advantage of this opportunity, such as using their existing online bus pass or getting a hard copy card through SANDAG. 

SANDAG is hosting an informational workshop for partners about this program on Thursday, April 7 from 4 to 5 p.m. via Zoom. There are also resources and a promotional toolkit with materials in English and Spanish (more languages coming soon) available on the SANDAG website. Please share this information with appropriate district staff members so they may work directly with schools and students in your district to access this opportunity.

Thank you for all that you do. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Paul

Dr. Paul Gothold

San Diego County Superintendent of Schools

email: paul.gothold@sdcoe.net