Dear Superintendents and School Leaders,
I am writing with several updates since my last message.
State Updates Schools Guidance Questions and Answers
- Question 1a provides guidance to help school staff determine whether a student’s symptoms are due to recent vaccination or COVID-19 infection. (Please see next section for additional information on this topic.)
- Questions 2 and 6 were updated with references to the CDPH's Oct. 20 reaffirmation of current policies on masking in schools.
- Question 11 was revised to align with updates to CDPH testing guidance released on Oct. 29.
- Question 20, which provides mitigation strategies for school dances and other large assemblies, was revised for clarity. The answer emphasizes consultation with public health, moving events outside, limiting attendees to those who are fully vaccinated and those who have tested negative during pre-event screening, holding several smaller events, serving food and drinks outside, and planning in advance how to handle contact tracing if an attendee is determined to have COVID-19.
How to Proceed When Students, Staff Exhibit Common Side Effects of Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations
With children and staff members receiving both the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, questions are arising around side effects and when to instruct them to stay home as a result. In
this memo, San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) medical consultant Dr. Howard Taras has outlined the common side effects of both vaccinations that also could be symptoms of COVID-19, and what other characteristics to look for to determine if a student or staff member should stay home and be evaluated.
County Policy on Face Coverings During Indoor Sports Play
The County of San Diego notified SDCOE and California Interscholastic Federation San Diego Section that, per San Diego County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten, masking for San Diego County athletes during indoor play for any sport is not mandatory provided routine screening testing is conducted.
According to the county, "Testing will be required twice per week with negative test results within 24-48 hours prior to competition to ensure the greatest level of COVID-19 transmission prevention can be achieved while addressing the unique nature of different sports competition schedules, including tournaments." SDCOE is seeking further details on items such as whether this applies to conditioning, test types, and if tests can be conducted on consecutive days.
This guidance does not prohibit athletes from wearing face coverings during indoor sports competitions or practices.
Coaches, staff, and observers are required to continue wearing masks indoors during a competition or
practice, as are players that are not actively participating in the sport.
Thank you for all that you do. As always, please reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Paul
Dr. Paul Gothold
San Diego County Superintendent of Schools
phone: 858-295-6641
