The next School Leader Update Call will take place on Monday, May 10 at 1:00pm. Call-in information will remain the same as it has been. Contact Amanda Oberg with questions.
COVID-19 Dial “Devolves” to Local Control
Effective April 16, 2021, the COVID-19 Dial evolved into Public Health Order 20-38: Limited COVID-19 Restrictions, which allows counties to implement regulations at the local level while still maintaining some limited requirements across the state. Counties may use the statewide dial framework as a model for implementing their own regulations. However, the COVID-19 Dial is no longer a statewide order. Elements of PHO 20-38 that are applicable to schools include:
Face coverings are required for individuals ages 11 and up in preschool through grade 12 schools (including extracurricular activities), child care centers and services, and indoor children’s camps.
Per Public Health Order(PHO) 20-38 face coverings may be removed in a school classroom setting for the limited purpose of playing an instrument that cannot otherwise be played while wearing a face covering.
When more than 100 people are gathered in a room in a Public Indoor Space, the setting may operate at 100% capacity not to exceed 500 people, with 6 feet distancing required between parties of unvaccinated people or when vaccination status is unknown.
Face coverings are required for individuals ages 11 in any indoor space where more than 100 unvaccinated individuals or individuals with unknown vaccination status are gathered in a room.
Schools and child care shall work with their local public health agencies as COVID-19 cases occur, and shall follow the CDPHE guidance for Cases and Outbreaks in Schools and Child Care.
Refer to PHO 20-38 for additional details and consult your local public health agency for local guidance and mandates related to COVID-19 that are beyond state-level requirements issued in the above public health order.
CDE Resources Released on 21-22 Remote Learning Options
Additionally, CDE has also recently released draft guidance for the 2021-22 school year regarding:
emergency school closures
blended learning
supplemental online learning
These resources can be found in the 2021-2022 section of the Pupil Count page of the CDE website.
BinaxNow Test Expiration Dates & Surplus Kits
Abbott, the manufacturer of BinaxNOW test kits, has received approval for extending the expiration dates of certain tests that were originally labeled to expire 6 months from date of production. These tests can now be used 3 months longer for a total of 9 months. The letter from Abbott with lot numbers and new expiration dates can be found here.
Surplus BinaxNow Test kits can be offered to local public health agencies, as well as companies and non-profit organizations in your area.
Recap of COVID-19 Updates
Click here to view the slide deck from the recap of COVID-19 updates provided at the April 12 School Leaders’ call.
