Dear Superintendents and School Leaders,
I'm writing with updates on several COVID-19-related items that have arisen since my last message.
Decision Tree Updates
The decision trees in both
English and
Spanish have been updated to clarify that all types of Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAAT) are acceptable for use where a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was specified, and to provide the latest information regarding quarantine options for persons exposed to COVID-19, including clarifications on when exclusions from work or school are required for people who are fully vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 90 days.
Parent Communication Updates
With the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the use of face coverings by fully vaccinated individuals, you are likely to get some questions about how this impacts school operations. The San Diego County Office of Education Communications team has created a
template letter in English and Spanish to help convey that schools are still required to comply with state and local health orders, which have not yet relaxed their guidance on face coverings.
Host a Vaccine Event
The County of San Diego is increasing access to COVID-19 vaccines by working with partners and stakeholders to host vaccination events. To request to host a vaccine event:
- Complete this form with information about your prospective vaccination event.
- County staff or a partner organization will review the information submitted and respond within five business days.
- The county will try to accommodate preferences but cannot guarantee that all preferences will be met.
In-Person Board Meetings
We have received some questions regarding holding in-person board meetings. While guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) still includes an advisory to “avoid in-person meetings and, if they are necessary, adjust them to ensure physical distancing and use smaller individual meetings at facilities to maintain physical distancing guidelines,” some in-person board meetings are resuming. For example, beginning next week, the County of San Diego will allow a limited number of people to attend and provide public comment in person at the County Board of Supervisors meetings provided they follow certain COVID-19 safety measures. For details, visit the
County News Center.
“Travel COVID Safe” Summer Campaign Toolkit
More and more people are traveling, a trend we expect to continue this summer. CDPH has created the
Travel COVID Safe toolkit to encourage residents to stay safe while they travel – to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The materials, which are available in English and Spanish, include downloadable social media messaging and images.
Thank you for all you are doing during these unprecedented times. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or need support.
Sincerely,
Paul
Dr. Paul Gothold
San Diego County Superintendent of Schools
phone: 858-295-6641
