Dear Superintendents and School Leaders,
I am writing with several updates since my last message.
Decision Tree Updated
The County of San Diego has updated the
English and
Spanish versions of the COVID-19 K-12 Decision Trees to reflect that for group tracing, students “should” be tested on Day 3, 4, or 5 when notified that they are part of an exposed group. The change is not intended to imply that testing is merely recommended; to remain in school, students
should be tested on day 3, 4, or 5.
Schools that choose to require evidence of testing on Day 3, 4 or 5 may do so. While the guidance does not require verification of test results, it does not prohibit a school from doing so.
N95 Mask Update
According to the California Office of Emergency Services, the state was recently informed that certain N95 masks sourced from BYD Precision Manufacture Co., Ltd. have an issue with particle filtration efficiency. The
state is advising all customers who may have received these respirators to inspect and return any nonconforming units.
None of the N95 masks provided to the San Diego County Office of Education for distribution to local schools are impacted by this recall, and there is no further action required on your part.
School Boards Association Releases Guide to School Closures
The California School Boards Association has released a
Guide to School Closures designed to demystify the school closure process described in Assembly Bills 130 and 167. The guide is accompanied by a
20-minute webcast featuring California Department of Education Deputy Superintendent for Instruction Mary Nicely, School Fiscal Services Division Director Elizabeth Dearstyn, and Government Affairs Director Amy Paterno.
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Bill Introduced
Yesterday Senator Richard Pan
announced he is introducing a bill that would add the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of required vaccines for student enrollment in public school.
Pan's bill would not permit a personal or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine requirement. It would only allow for medical exemptions. It would take effect Jan. 1, 2023 and not require full FDA approval.
Please note that there is a long road ahead before the outcome will be decided, and if a version of the bill eventually becomes law, it will likely be heavily amended.
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
