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SY22-23 COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines

Last Updated October 31, 2022

COVID-19 continues to impact our community in many life-changing ways. As our public health environment evolves, we ask for your partnership in keeping our learning community as healthy as possible.

To help limit the spread of COVID-19 and prioritize safe, in-person learning, we refined our procedures to keep our students and staff as healthy as possible.

Goals and Objectives

We use these principles to guide our decision-making throughout the pandemic.

  1. Champion health and safety
  2. Be adaptive
  3. Protect our mission
  4. Keep relationships close
  5. Communicate intentionally

Our Multi-Layer Approach

To help limit the spread of COVID-19, we will use multiple layers of protection.

  • Recommended Mask-wearing
  • Vaccines and Boosters
  • Asymptomatic Testing
  • Close Contacts and Social Distancing
  • Test to Stay (TTS) Program
  • Contact Tracing
  • Air Filtration and Cleaning

Mask-Wearing

Effective November 1, 2022, we RECOMMEND, but do not require, everyone wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, while indoors.

  • We have extra masks and other PPE available if you need them.
  • Mask-wearing is optional, while outside; however, in some situations, students and staff may be required to wear masks outdoors.
  • We will re-evaluate our mask-wearing should we meet specific thresholds, and will communicate any changes with families and staff in advance.
DO choose masks that…DO NOT choose masks that…
have two or more layers of washable, breathable, fabricare made of fabric that makes it hard to breathe
cover your nose completelyhave exhalation valves or vents, which allow the virus to escape
fit snugly against the sides of your face and do not have any gapsare gaiters or bandanas
have a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out the top of the mask

Vaccines and Boosters

We strongly encourage all students to get vaccinated and boosted, if they are able to do so.

  • Beginning in SY 2022-23, DC LAW REQUIRES all students ages 12 and up be vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • At E.L. Haynes, all staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including receiving the appropriate booster dose.
  • For up-to-date information about who may receive the vaccine and booster, visit coronavirus.dc.gov.
  • All DC residents, 3 and over, can visit any walk-up vaccine clinic throughout Washington, DC. For more information, visit: coronavirus.dc.gov.

Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Testing

Unvaccinated staff will be tested weekly. Students or Staff who are identified as close contacts will participate in our Test to Stay Program

  • Staff or students who received an approved medical or religious exemption from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine must participate in weekly asymptomatic testing during the 2022-23 School Year.
  • If a students or staff member displays COVID-19 symptoms while at school, they can receive a COVID-19 rapid test.
  • PCR Test results will be shared via email with families and E.L. Haynes within 48-72 hours. Rapid Test results may be shared with families as soon as they are available.

Close Contacts and Social Distancing

Students and staff identified as close contacts can remain on campus with daily COVID-19 testing through our Test to Stay program.*

“Close Contact”

A student close contact is a student who was within three feet of a person who tested positive for COVID-19 for at least 15 cumulative minutes over a 24-hour period, while that person was infectious. A staff member is considered a close contact if they were within three to six feet of someone who tested positive.

A student is not deemed to have had close contact if:

  • both students were engaged in consistent and correct use of well-fitting face masks, and
  • other layered prevention strategies were in place (i.e. universal mask-wearing, physical distancing, increased ventilation).

* If someone in your household tests positive and you are designated a close contact, you must quarantine.

Test to Stay Program

Our Test to Stay (TTS) Program offers shortened quarantine times.

  • Students and staff members who are identified as a close contacts must monitor symptoms and participate in daily rapid tests.
  • On their fifth day, we will administer a PCR test (unless they are a 90-day positive).
  • This program is not available for people who live in the same household as someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

“90-day Positive”

Someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days and who, due to viral shedding, could continue to test positive via a PCR test even after they are no longer infectious or experiencing symptoms.

Contact Tracing

Everyone must tell E.L. Haynes if they test positive for COVID-19 or are identified as a close contact.

  • If a student tests positive, their family will be informed as the case is referred to DC Health.
  • The student will transition to online learning and follow guidance from health officials when to return.
  • After notifying all close contacts, E.L. Haynes will send all families at that campus an email alert.
  • Click HERE to report a POSITIVE TEST RESULT
  • Click HERE to report a “CLOSE CONTACT IDENTIFICATION”

Air Filtration and Cleaning

We enhanced our air filtration systems and cleaning processes in ALL classrooms, offices, and other communal spaces.

  • MERV 13 filters in the HVAC system
  • Twice-Daily fresh air flushing of HVAC system
  • HEPA units in every room
  • Open windows and door (when weather permits)
  • Cleaning throughout the day
  • Nightly cleaning service
  • Weekly deep disinfectant cleaning

COVID-19 Symptoms

A wide range of symptoms have been associated with COVID-19, and symptoms may appear 2 – 14 days after exposure to the virus. Individuals may have mild to severe symptoms, and certain symptoms have been identified as strong indicators of COVID-19. We call these “red flag symptoms.”

“RED FLAG SYMPTOMS”

  • New or worsening cough
  • Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Fever (above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)*

OTHER SYMPTOMS

  • Chills
  • Muscle or body ache
  • Sore throat
  • An unusual amount of tiredness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Runny nose or congestion
  • Diarrhea

If your student experiences symptoms…

Before Arriving at School: If a students experiences any ONE red flag symptom, which is unexplained by existing health conditions, they should STAY HOME and not enter any school building.

While at School: If a student experiences any ONE red flag symptom, which is unexplained by existing health conditions, they will be sent to their campus’ Health Transition Room to be seen by a healthcare professional.

If the healthcare professional determines that a COVID-19 test is needed, the student and any siblings will be sent home and required to get a negative test.

YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION AND HEALTH ARE OUR TOP PRIORITY.

We are committed to doing everything in our power to maintain a safe learning environment so that our students thrive. As guidance changes, we will evaluate and update these guidelines.

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT TO DO IF YOUR STUDENT TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19, OR IS IDENTIFIED AS A CLOSE CONTACT, EMAIL EVELYN MARQUEZ, COVID-19 OPERATIONS COORDINATOR, AT EMARQUEZ@ELHAYNES.ORG.

Download the COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines

Downloadable versions of our COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines are available in English and Spanish.

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