I am writing with several updates since my last message.

Earlier this month, County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten authorized testing twice a week as an alternative to masking for athletes engaged in indoor competitions and practices. With the release of updated guidance on Nov. 24, we have been advised that the County of San Diego will align its position on indoor masking with the recommendations from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH):

“When actively practicing, conditioning, or competing in indoor sports, masks are required by participants even during heavy exertion, as practicable. If masks are not worn due to heavy exertion, it is strongly recommended that individuals undergo screening testing at least once weekly.”

Masks continue to be required for teachers, referees, officials, coaches, support staff, spectators, and observers and when “participants are not actively practicing, conditioning, competing, or performing.”

The updated CDPH guidance also addresses performing arts. According to the CDPH, with the exception of students who play instruments that cannot be played while wearing a mask, weekly testing cannot be used as an alternative to masking indoors for students engaged in performing arts practices or performances. In the case of wind instruments, bell covers must be used, and a minimum of 3 feet of physical distancing must be maintained. The guidance states, “If bell covers are not used, it is strongly recommended that individuals undergo screening testing at least once weekly.”

CDPH is gathering information on the need for an alternative to indoor masking for dance, choral music, and theater programs. We will update you if there are any changes.

Due to the scarcity of the Abbott BinaxNOW test, schools that are participating in the CDPH school antigen testing program are allowed to use expired Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Cards. This allowance only applies to the Abbott BinaxNOW RX test (professional test, 195-000); BinaxNOW Self Tests are not extended.

This document from CDPH explains the extension and provides information on how to perform quality-control procedures.

The Safe Schools for All Hub has been revised to make it easier to navigate. Quick links to resource categories (school guidance, contact tracing, testing, child care, vaccines, mental health, ventilation, and maps and data) have been added at the top of the webpage. Links highlighting new resources like this Omicron variant fact sheet will also be included in this section.

A recent presentation from CDPH and State Board of Education provided a glimpse into the future of schooling with COVID-19 as an endemic virus. Ultimately, masks will be recommended indoors only for people who are experiencing symptoms of illness, testing will occur primarily in homes and medical offices, and teachers and school staff will be free to focus on learning. Broad vaccine coverage and creating safer indoor air quality through improved heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems will be essential in making this transition.

The agencies have not made the presentation available yet; we will share when it's public. In the meantime, to learn more about how to leverage state and federal funding for capital expenditures to improve HVAC systems, visit this webpage from the California Department of Education. Specific questions can also be sent to EDReliefFunds@cde.ca.gov. Resources are also available through California Schools Healthy Air, Plumbing, and Efficiency Program from the California Energy Commission.

Thank you for all that you do. As always, please reach out if you have any questions.

email: paul.gothold@sdcoe.net