Dear E.L. Haynes Families,
Thank you for coming in for testing to help make sure we can quickly and safely return to in-person learning this week. Though the last week was challenging due to the snow and ice, our planned switch to virtual learning helped limit any disruptions to learning.
We know that the city is experiencing a widespread rise in cases of COVID-19 due to the omicron variant, and though we are still awaiting further guidance from DC Health to update our full health and safety guidelines, as part of our continued mitigation efforts, we are updating some of our critical COVID-19 policies, including our testing and quarantining processes, as well as our mask recommendations.
- Weekly Testing: We will continue our weekly testing program of 20 percent of all students, no matter their vaccination status. We will also increase our testing program to include 20 percent of all staff.
- Quarantining:
- Positive Cases: All staff and students who test positive for COVID-19 must quarantine and isolate for 10 ten days. Following the isolation period, if the individual has been symptom-free for the final 48 hours, they may return to school.
- Unvaccinated Close Contacts: Unvaccinated siblings and other close contacts must quarantine for 10 days and closely monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms. They should receive a PCR test on or after the fifth day following their exposure. They may return to school following their quarantine period, along with a negative test result.
- Vaccinated Close Contacts: All vaccinated close contacts of a positive case must quarantine for 5 days. Following the quarantine period, the individual will receive a rapid and a PCR test when they return to campus. If the rapid test is negative, the student can return to in-person learning.
- Masks Recommendations: Though it is not required, we recommend that staff wear KN-95 or N-95 masks on campus.
Get Vaccinated and Boosted
If you have not done so, get your COVID-19 vaccine today, vaccinate your children, or receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster if you are eligible. Vaccines remain the best defense against COVID-19, and the more individuals who are able to be vaccinated in our community, the better. If you are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (ages 5+) or the COVID-19 booster, you should receive it as soon as possible. The city continues to host walk-up vaccine clinics, and you can also contact local pharmacies (including CVS, Walgreens, and Safeway) to find a location and appointment near you. Has your student received the COVID-19 vaccine? Make sure you submit a copy of your vaccination card to a front desk staff member.
Our commitment to transparency. In the coming week, we will also share detailed information on testing, case rates, and more.
