Feb. 14, 2023

Dear Superintendents and School Leaders,


I'm writing with a brief update on several COVID-19-related items.


New COVID-19 Guidance 

Cal/OSHA’s new COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations for employees went into effect Feb. 3, replacing the Emergency Temporary Standards and other regulations. The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) has identified several notable changes and is working with the County of San Diego and Cal/OSHA to get clarity on some of the new requirements. We will update the decision trees; document on masking, testing, and notification requirements; and other guidance as soon as the information is clarified. 


COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement No Longer Being Considered for Schools 

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced earlier this month that the state is no longer exploring emergency rulemaking to add COVID-19 vaccinations to the list of required vaccinations for K-12 students. Although it will not be required, CDPH still strongly recommends immunization for students and staff.  


Spring Break At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits

The CDPH will be distributing COVID-19 tests for schools through county offices of education. Families of uninsured and underinsured students are also eligible for tests. CDPH encourages all students and staff to test for COVID-19 if they feel sick after exposure, travel, or large gatherings, and before events or visiting high-risk people.


SDCOE’s Maintenance and Operations team has been in contact with your district or school’s point of contact for distribution of personal protective equipment. The team will work with your contact to coordinate test kit pickup. If you have any questions, you can email ppe@sdcoe.net.


Grant Funding for Ventilation and Plumbing at Public Schools

An important requirement from the Emergency Temporary Standards that is also included in the COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations is that employers must continue to develop, implement, and maintain effective methods to prevent COVID-19 transmission by improving ventilation (Section 3205(h)).


Under Assembly Bill 841, The State of California Schools Healthy Air, Plumbing and Efficiency Program has released applications for two grant programs that may assist districts with improving ventilation and plumbing systems at their schools. The grants can be used to:


  • Ventilation: assess, maintain, and repair HVAC systems
  • Plumbing: replace inefficient plumbing fixtures and appliances 


These grants can help districts maximize funding when implementing strategies to prevent or mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The application deadline is March 31. For more information on the grants, view this presentation, contact CalSHAPE@energy.ca.gov, or visit the following websites:



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

phone: 858-295-6641

San Diego County Office of Education
858-292-3500
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