Prevention: Guidelines for Face Coverings at WMS
The following guidelines are based on the best information from the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics and other health-care organizations. Face coverings are required for all adults in the WMS community and for students in the Primary Program through eighth grade. Toddlers are exempt from this requirement.
Please review the following guidelines for acceptable mask or face coverings:
- Must completely cover nose and mouth
- Should stay in place with normal movement and does not need frequent adjustments
- May not have a valve (such as an N95 mask)
- Neck gaiters need to have a minimum of two layers
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Face shields can be used in addition to a mask, or without a mask only if the individual has a medical release.
Why wear face coverings?
Wearing a face covering reduces the chance of transmitting COVID-19 through respiratory droplets; it protects you as well as those around you. The current thinking is that there are many people who have COVID-19 but do not have symptoms. Requiring face coverings for most of our community, with the exception of our youngest students, minimizes everyone’s risk. No organization recommends face coverings for children under the age of 3.
The State of Delaware does not require face coverings in schools for students under 10. Why is WMS requiring them?
The Office of Child Care Licensing and CDC guidelines state that masks are strongly recommended. Based on this guidance we have decided to require face coverings for all of our community except the youngest students. We are using that guidance to ensure our staff and students are as safe as possible as we begin the school year.
When do children need to wear face coverings?
Children need to wear them while on campus. This is especially important when they may not be able to avoid being six feet away from others.
Are there times when students will not be required to wear face coverings?
Children will not wear masks during lunch, snack time or naps (in the case of Primary students). During PE and when outside for recess and play, students may be permitted to remove masks if social distance can be maintained. This will be determined by the teacher.
What about students with special health needs?
Children who are considered medically at high risk may need accommodations on a case by case basis in consultation with their health care provider.
How do I find a face covering for my child?
There are many options for face coverings. Parents are trying a variety of different options to choose what is best for their children. They can be found everywhere from Amazon to Target, Walgreens, and other stores and online shops.
How many face coverings will we need?
Children need a clean face covering each day. Cloth coverings are washable and reusable; others are disposable. You will be asked to send in extra face coverings in case one is lost or damaged during the course of the day.
What if children won’t keep the face covering in place?
We know that children will touch their face coverings at times and may be tempted to remove them. Teachers will stress the importance of keeping the face covering on to keep everyone safe. They will teach the proper ways to remove and replace face coverings, including having a spot to place them when they are eating. Teachers will teach this just as they do handwashing, coughing into elbows, and other health measures that we have in place. We will also enforce increased handwashing in order to keep every member of the community as safe and healthy as possible.
Policies
WMS's COVID-19 policies for both camp and the school year are based on guidelines from the CDC and Delaware's Office of Child Care Licensing. We are continuing to monitor those sources for information to adjust our policies and practices as needed.
Testing
WMS is working with the state of Delaware to prevent the spread of COVID-19, both within our school community and state-wide. In partnership with the state, all WMS staff will be tested for COVID-19 prior to the start of school, and regularly throughout the coming months. Families are encouraged to get tested. We will continue share information about testing sites as it becomes available.
