I am writing with several updates since my last message.

The PDF COVID-19 Decision Tree (Spanish version) and online e-Decision Tree have been updated to allow students who are permitted to attend school while in modified quarantine to participate in before- and after-school expanded learning and child care programs, as long as the programs are provided on the student’s campus and the programs are similar in structure to the student’s classes. This provision does not include extracurricular and co-curricular activities, such as athletics, band, dance, or clubs. 

We have also added a new question and answer to the PDF version of the decision tree to address mixed messaging from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regarding antigen testing. 

In a recent update to testing guidance, CDPH wrote that antigen test results do not need confirmation except when certain symptoms are present or when there is a high-risk of exposure. However, they did not clearly define which symptoms would require confirmation with a molecular test, or what constitutes a high-risk exposure. 

The County of San Diego is working to get clarity on this issue. In the meantime, county public health recommends schools follow the current decision tree.

 

Today, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), launched a new COVID-19 data dashboard to help the public keep track of the impact of COVID-19 on K-12 schools. The dashboard aggregates data on pediatric COVID-19 cases, youth vaccination rates, and numbers of schools that are operating in-person, hybrid, or remote. According to the USDOE, data will be updated each week, and where possible, the information is presented geographically so educators and families can understand the impact of COVID-19 in their communities. 

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

email: paul.gothold@sdcoe.net