I'm writing with updates on several COVID-19-related items that have arisen since my last message.

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) will receive an additional shipment of COVID-19 at-home test kits for use by public and private school students and staff during the spring break period. We do not have all of the details yet but will provide more information when it’s available.

As a reminder, there is no statewide testing requirement to return to school. The state is providing additional at-home tests to help increase access for K-12 public school students, not to enforce a statewide requirement or mandate. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has developed materials related to its at-home testing program that you may find useful, including a list of frequently asked questions, flyers, and testing instructions.

While the change in mask guidance from required to strongly recommended after March 11 may be welcome news for some students and families, others could be feeling uncomfortable or have concerns about removing their masks indoors. SDCOE’s Communications team has put together a template parent letter to help communicate with families about addressing those concerns. A second template letter may help schools and districts communicate their approach to fostering a welcoming environment for all as individuals exercise their masking choice.

F3 Law has assembled responses to some recent questions around the latest CDPH guidance, the governor’s Feb. 28 executive order, and Assembly Bill 361 in a resource that you may find useful.

We will share additional information and resources as they become available. 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