2021-2022
RETURN-TO-SCHOOL PLAN Revised August 27, 2021
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS Christopher S. Campbell, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
Stacey A. Rogers, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent Administration and Instruction Erik W. Cioffi Assistant Superintendent Human Resources
Brad Brothers
School Business Administrator
Administrative Offices 11 Lincoln Street Plymouth, MA 02360 Telephone: (508) 830-4300 FAX: (508) 746-1873 www.plymouth.k12.ma.us
TABLE OF
CONTENTS Letter from Superintendent, Dr. Campbell
04
Introduction
05
Timeline of Most Recent Guidance
06
Where We Are Today: SY 2021-22
07
Testing and Quarantine Guidance for the Fall
08
Guiding Principals Masks Facilities Cleaning Food Services Bus Protocols Learning & Extracurriculars Social-Emotional Health Staff Training
Back-to-School FAQs
10 11 12 12 13 15 16 18
Appendix Guidance for Potential Exposure to COVID-19
24
A Message from Superintendent, Dr. Campbell August 27, 2021 Dear Plymouth School Community, Next week, our schools will experience the energy and excitement of a new school year. We look forward to welcoming our students back full-time and continue our commitment to providing safe, healthy and supportive classrooms for our students and teachers. After a year and a half, the COVID-19 rules and restrictions feel burdensome and neverending. Many would like to lose the masks and return to normal as quickly as possible. We will get there eventually, but it is going to take more time. As always, health and safety remain our top priority in Plymouth, and educating children in person without interruption continues to be our goal. There may be different approaches to health and safety in area public school districts. In Plymouth, we will be following the recent mandate by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requiring all students ages 5 and older, as well as all staff, to be masked in schools. Preschool students will be strongly encouraged to wear masks, taking into consideration children who cannot properly wear a mask for developmental reasons. We will also be requiring all visitors to remain masked while in our school buildings. Many of you have questions about the upcoming school year; please see the PPS Back to School FAQs at the end of this document to learn more. The pandemic will continue to challenge us, but there is so much to look forward to in the upcoming school year! Plymouth is an incredible community, and I feel blessed to work with our students and staff in the Plymouth Public Schools. I want to thank you for your continued patience and support. As always, if you have any questions at any time, please feel free to reach out to me or your school administration. I look forward to welcoming you all back soon. Sincerely,
Christopher S. Campbell Superintendent of Schools PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS | RETURN-TO-SCHOOL 2021-2022
INTRODUCTION Education and health are not conflicting interests, but instead, are dependent on each other: students and teachers learn and teach best when they are safe and healthy. Even during the pandemic, schools remain an important facilitator of student health, providing many with food security and opportunities for physical activity. Navigating the complexities of mitigating risk while maximizing learning and wellbeing will require the best of thinking from both sectors. Feasibility, logistics, and the limits of resources and science will guide the district’s decision-making to help students, school personnel, and parents and caregivers understand and accept decisions aimed at reducing viral spread in order to increase the odds of keeping children in schools where they learn best.
The Plymouth Public Schools has created this plan to aid in navigating the health and safety of our schools so that employees, students, and families feel safe and to reduce the impact of COVID-19 conditions. The guidelines referenced in this plan are based on the most current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), as of August 27, 2021.
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
P PA AG GE E 21
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TIMELINE OF MOST RECENT GUIDANCE July 19, 2021
July 27, 2021
July 30, 2021
American Academy of Pediatrics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Massachusetts Dept of Public Health & DESE
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest a return to indoor mask-wearing in this CDC guidance, stating that the “CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.”
In collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), the Commissioner of Education released new guidance for PK-12 public schools. Governor Baker spoke in support of the Commissioner’s recommendation later that day.
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a “layered approach to make school safe for all students, teachers, and staff.” The AAP’s guidance “includes a recommendation that everyone older than age 2 wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.”
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS | RETURN-TO-SCHOOL 2021-2022
WHERE WE ARE TODAY: SCHOOL YEAR 2021-22
August 24, 2021
Special Meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)
Massachusetts Commissioner of Education recommended the Board declare exigent circumstances under the Student Learning Time regulations, 603 CMR 27.08 (1) Upon a declaration by the Governor that an emergency exists which is detrimental to the public health, or upon a determination by the Board that exigent circumstances exist that adversely affect the ability of students to attend classes in a safe environment unless additional health and safety measures are put in place, the Commissioner, in consultation with medical experts and state health officials, shall issue health and safety requirements and related guidance for districts. This provided the Commissioner the authority to issue a mask mandate for public school students (age 5 and above) and staff in all grades through at least October 1, 2021 Commissioner's reasoning: Current rise in Covid cases (school-aged children) Mitigation measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Provide more time for students and staff to get vaccinated
Additional Conditions of this Mandate After October 1, 2021, if a school demonstrates a vaccination rate of 80% or more of all students and staff in the school, then it would no longer be subject to the state mask mandate for vaccinated individuals The 80% threshold has been agreed to by DPH Schools would be able to submit an attestation form provided by DESE to demonstrate they have met this threshold Once schools reach the 80% threshold and receive approval to lift the mask mandate, vaccinated students and staff may remove their masks In alignment with statewide guidance, unvaccinated students and staff would be required to continue wearing masks
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Testing and Quarantine Guidance for the Fall New “Test and Stay” Program Asymptomatic close contacts may remain in school and continue to participate in sports and extracurriculars so long as they take a rapid antigen test daily, wear a mask, and follow other guidelines. If districts do not have Test and Stay available, or an individual or family chooses not to participate, a close contact will need to quarantine at home for at least 7 days from the point of exposure. Students and staff are not considered close contact when on bus with masks while windows are open. Also exempt from testing and quarantine: asymptomatic, vaccinated close contacts; classroom close contacts spaced at least three feet apart while students are masked; and individuals who have had COVID-19 in the past 90 days. If a student tests positive or presents COVID-19 symptoms during the school day, they should be masked, and when feasible, in a separate room with the door closed until they can be picked up.
No physical distancing requirements in place this year, even during meals. However, we will distance individuals when feasible when masks are removed indoors during mealtimes and will encourage the utilization of outdoor space for meals, when feasible.
Clubs, activities, and electives (e.g., chorus/band and physical education) Currently, there are no restrictions on indoor activities. Schools are encouraged to maintain distance between individuals as feasible or use outdoor space.
Additionally: During the 2021-22 school year, full-time remote learning programs will not count toward structured learning time hours unless specifically previously authorized by DESE. DESE COVID-19 guidance issued on May 27, 2021 (page 4) As a reminder, all health and safety requirements issued by DESE from the previous school year have been lifted, and all schools are required to be in-person full-time, five days per week
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GUIDING PRINCIPLES Masks As the primary route of transmission for COVID-19 is respiratory, masks are among the most critical components of risk reduction.
Students in all grades, K-12, are required to wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth. We strongly encourage masks among our pre-K students, taking into consideration children who cannot properly wear a mask for medical or behavioral reasons. Adults, including educators and staff, are also required to wear masks. Gaiters or shields should not be used in place of a face mask. Exceptions to mask requirements must be made for those for whom it is not possible due to medical conditions, disability impact, or other health or safety factors. Masks should be provided by the student/family, but extra disposable face masks will be made available by the school for students who need them. Reusable masks provided by families should be washed by families daily. Districts and schools with families experiencing financial hardship and unable to afford masks should endeavor to provide masks for students through grant funds. Transparent face coverings provide the opportunity for more visual cues and should be especially considered as an alternative for younger students, students who are deaf and hard of hearing, and their teachers. Mask breaks should occur throughout the day.
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS | RETURN-TO-SCHOOL 2021-2022
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Facilities Cleaning The safety of our employees and students is our first priority. Our Facility Services group is doing a number of initiatives to enhance the overall safety and cleanliness of all of our buildings. We continue to utilize resources and strategies implemented last year to maximize air exchange and air filtration: Changing our filters to MERV 13 which will keep more of the outside air contaminants out of our buildings and provide cleaner air exchanges Building ionizers have been placed into the supply air ducts of our HVAC systems Utilizing window fans in schools without HVAC to maximize air exchange Active Pure Technology ionization units are also used in these schools We will continue to promote and support hand hygiene and cleaning of workspaces. We will continue to clean and/or disinfect schools and classrooms according to CDC recommendations. Victory Electrostatic Sanitizing machines and Clorox 360 machines will be utilized as needed.
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Food Service Operations Meal Offerings Free breakfast and lunch for all students will be provided throughout the school year. Breakfast and lunch will be served as normal.
Bus Protocols Masks All drivers, staff and students on the bus, regardless of age, are required to wear masks at all times. Exceptions for students due to medical and / or behavioral reasons.
Ventilation Bus windows must be open at all times during operation, unless not possible due to extreme weather conditions.
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS | RETURN-TO-SCHOOL 2021-2022
Learning and Extracurriculars Learning Acceleration vs. Remediation The COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools across the country to confront unprecedented challenges. A months-long disruption of school has exacerbated long standing inequities and opportunity gaps, at a moment when the nation has been grappling with issues concerning systemic racism. Despite the efforts of teachers, administrators and families, over this past year, many students missed out on critical instructional time, particularly our traditionally underserved students. Simultaneously, students participated in remote and hybrid settings, gaining skills, perspective, and knowledge about their unique ways of learning. Educators will approach the fall with the intention of leveraging their expertise to design instruction that meets the needs of all learners. As we plan to support the diversity of student needs this fall, with a focus on educational equity, a body of research supports the strategy of learning acceleration.
Learning Acceleration
All students receive consistent access to grade-level work with targeted scaffolds to make it accessible. 9
Traditional Remediation
Students mainly receive work better suited for earlier grades, based on the misconception that they must master all past concepts before accessing grade-level work.10
9 Retrieved 3 June 2020 from: http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/114026/chapters/Acceleration@_Jump-Starting_Students_Who_Are_Behind.aspx 10 Retrieved 3 June 2020 from: http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/114026/chapters/Acceleration@_Jump-Starting_Students_Who_Are_Behind.aspx
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Instructional Gaps After our initial opening, in content areas where necessary, teachers will assess students for the purpose of determining instructional gaps. These baseline assessments will help determine where potential learning gaps are with each student. We expect there to be larger gaps than if students were just out for the summer. These gaps will be addressed in smaller, more focused meetings that are grade-level and/or subject specific. An action plan will be developed to address any identified gaps. Note that in areas where sequential learning is dependent on reaching mastery levels, the identification of instructional gaps through baseline assessment will be prioritized.
Scope and Sequence Given our focus on the social and emotional well being of our students, our scope and sequence will look different based on any potential instructional gaps. We will need to integrate previous grade/subject competencies and skills to our instruction, especially in areas where sequential learning is dependent on reaching mastery levels. Adjustments to scope and sequences will be made. These will likely vary between grade-levels and across content areas.
MCAS Please note that instructional expectations from DESE have not changed. Students are still expected to demonstrate mastery of learning as outlined in Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. At the time this report was issued, DESE still plans to administer the MCAS as previously scheduled. So, in Plymouth we are aware of this and are working towards ensuring that our students have balance socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.
Grading K-12 Grading 6-12 would remain consistent with regular school year student assessment and report card process as noted in the contract and the student handbook.·
Extracurricular and District-Wide Planning Extracurricular activities will take place before and after school but will follow all appropriate guidelines.
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS | RETURN-TO-SCHOOL 2021-2022
Social-Emotional Well-Being of Students and Staff The Plymouth Public Schools proactively supports students’ psychological safety, social and emotional learning, and mental and behavioral health. A holistic approach to mental wellness will be provided through a multitude of evidence based approaches for students, families, and staff through all phases of the school-reentry process. In addition to previously utilized approaches to school counseling, examples of additional techniques may include (but are not limited to):
Development of videos and resources for parents and teachers to access Implement flexible schedules and utilize specialized instructional support personnel (school guidance counselors, school adjustment counselors, and school psychologists) to support students individually and in small groups. Identify and deliver responsive SEL supports, including social-emotional health checkins, planning and goal setting, opportunities for self-reflection, and social interactions. School counselors and school psychologists will establish regular informal check-ins with all students, allowing for prevention services to continue and establishing a system to provide effective intervention services as needed. School building based Child Study Teams (CST) will identify students who need targeted support as well as access to school-employed and community mental health professionals. Utilize student and staff surveys to collect data on students’ social-emotional needs and resource allocation. Develop and provide family-appropriate social and emotional learning (SEL) content. Provide teacher support and professional development for social-emotional learning. Connect students to existing partnerships with community mental health resources and assist in crisis response as necessary.
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Staff Training We continue to work in conjunction with the guidance received from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide specific professional development for a successful and safe re-entry to school. It is very important that all employees understand the safety requirements, protocols and expectations to ensure everyone and their communities stay safe and prevent the spread of the virus. We will structure the training plan to effectively disseminate information to all teams and audiences. These videos below are a sampling of trainings that will be available for staff:
HOW FACE MASKS STOP COVID TRANSMISSION
HOW TO PROPERLY WEAR A MASK
Staff Support Our teachers and staff have experienced one of the most challenging years in their careers. It is important to us that we recognize the obstacles our staff have faced during this pandemic and provide resources to help support their wellbeing. Our friends at Panorama Education have provided several self-care and wellness resources for teachers and school employees. For additional support and resources for staff, students, and families, please visit our website at plymouth.k12.ma.us/SEL.
Mindfulness Resource Pack
A Comprehensive Guide to Adult SEL
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS | RETURN-TO-SCHOOL 2021-2022
SEL and Self-Care Resources Related to COVID-19
Back-to-School FAQs Is physical distancing still required at lunch time or when we are eating? In the new school year, everyone will return to in-person learning and remote learning is no longer an option. These changes increase pressure on existing space in our schools, making it more challenging to physically distance children when eating. Outside remains an excellent option for eating whenever possible. Inclement weather is one of our greatest challenges in schools, and our principals and educators will do their best to maintain greater physical distances when eating whenever possible.
Will there be assigned seating this year in classrooms and lunch rooms? Yes. Whenever possible, seats should be assigned, and we recommend keeping students in desks rather than tables for now. In some cases it may be necessary to use tables. We must continue our contact tracing efforts, so assigned seating in classrooms remains important.
What will be served at school lunch? Hot lunches will be available as soon as possible. There are no further restrictions on prepackaged items.
Will students be allowed to have snack in the classroom? Yes. When possible students should be physical distancing when eating.
Are drinking fountains fully accessible? Yes. In addition, every school now has at least one hydration station for refillable water containers.
Are there any cleaning and/or sanitizing protocols that are specific to COVID? Additional cleaning protocols will be in place if/when there is a positive case in a given area.
Are there any social distancing requirements? No
Can students change classrooms/mix cohorts? Yes PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS | RETURN-TO-SCHOOL 2021-2022
What steps can I take to be granted a mask exemption for my children? There is no exemption with the exception of a medical exemption from a doctor.
What if my child refuses to wear his/her mask?
Students who continually refuse to wear a mask will be referred to the administration and may result in disciplinary action.
Can I get a religious exemption for my child?
No. There are no religious exemptions regarding the wearing of masks.
Can students have mask breaks?
Yes. Students can ask for individual mask breaks or teachers may give whole class mask breaks?
If a classroom allows for 6-feet of distancing between students do students/staff still need to wear masks? Yes. Masks are required during any indoor instructional time
Will masks be required on school buses?
Yes. By federal public health order, all passengers are required to wear masks on school buses at this time. In addition, all PPS school buses must have windows open at least 2 inches at all times. For more information, here is the CDC’s Order.
Can my child wear a shield or a gaiter instead of a mask?
No. Masks must be worn and worn appropriately at all times. The only exception is for students with disabilities or students with other health related issues with a medical note signed by a medical doctor.
Do students need to wear masks at sporting events or after school activities?
Yes/No. For any sport or activity that is hosted inside all persons must be masked. Any sport or activity that is hosted outside persons do not need to wear masks. (ie: volleyball, masks must be worn, soccer masks do not need to be worn)
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My child is immunocompromised and in-person learning does not feel safe to me. Is there a remote option this year?
Unfortunately, remote learning is no longer an option in the upcoming school year per the Commissioner of Education. Please refer to the DESE COVID-19 guidance issued on May 27, 2021, page 4. Districts will no longer be able to offer remote learning as a standard learning model. As noted above, districts and schools will be required to be in-person, full-time, five days a week this fall. Pathways that existed prior to the pandemic for offering virtual learning to individual students in limited cases will remain available to districts and schools. These include home/hospital tutoring programs due to a documented medical condition, single district virtual schools, and other narrow circumstances.
Are there any cleaning and/or sanitizing protocols that are specific to COVID?
Additional cleaning protocols will be in place if/when there is a positive case in a given area.
Are visitors/parent volunteers allowed in the buildings?
Yes. All visitors to school buildings must be masked. Masks will be made available at each building.
Will we have Back to School Nights and Open House? Yes, these will be in-person with masks.
Is there a limit to the number of families/people we can have in person in the classroom? No. But everyone must be masked.
Are there new TEAM meeting protocols?
Virtual meetings are still allowed. Parents should be given the option of an in-person or virtual meeting.
Can we approve building use for groups such as girl/boy scouts, cheer etc..? Yes. However, everyone must be masked indoors.
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS | RETURN-TO-SCHOOL 2021-2022
Will Plymouth Public Schools continue to participate in a COVID testing program? Last year we dedicated significant resources to saliva-based PCR testing with limited participation. We will continue to explore appropriate testing strategies, including those being offered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
If a student or staff member is sick and experiencing symptoms, such as fever, cough, runny nose, what should they do? School Personnel: If a staff member has any symptoms, they should call their supervisor and report the symptoms and stay home from school. Staff should follow up with their Health Care Provider for further evaluation and testing. Staff who become ill while at school will be sent home immediately. Students and Families: Before coming to school or getting on the bus: Families should assess their child’s state of wellness. If the student has any symptoms of COVID-19, they should stay home from school. The family should notify their school nurse that the child will be absent and the reason for the absence. The school nurse will follow-up with the family regarding the child’s symptoms, when the child was seen by a medical professional and any testing that was done.
What steps need to be taken to prove that your school is 80% vaccinated (includes staff AND students) on Oct 1st? Are we asking staff/students for proof of vaccination? We are waiting on State guidance regarding procedures for collecting this documentation. More information will be forthcoming.
What are the current travel restrictions? Will I be able to travel out of state without a quarantine? Massachusetts COVID-19 Travel Guidance suggests that if you are vaccinated there are no restrictions on domestic travel, and you can travel freely. Here are the CDC’s recommendations for unvaccinated people. We ask all PPS families and staff to follow the State’s travel guidance. Qualifying special conditions include serious family emergencies/illnesses, deaths, and custody arrangements. If you have questions, please contact your principal or school nurse.
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What PK-12 health and safety protocols are being recommended now by health experts and key decision-makers in light of the Delta variant of the virus? Below is a summary of the most recent guidance issued by Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and supported by the and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) and elected and appointed State officials: August 13, 2021: As a follow up to the guidance released on July 30 and to the information released by DESE on the statewide COVID-19 testing program, the Commissioner of Education released DESE and DPH's testing and quarantine guidance for districts and schools for the fall. New Test and Stay program will allow asymptomatic close contacts to remain in school and participate in sports and extracurriculars so long as they take a rapid antigen test daily, wear a mask, and follow other guidelines as noted in the document. All school-wide distancing requirements are lifted. If districts do not have Test and Stay available, or an individual or family chooses not to participate, a close contact will need to quarantine at home for at least 7 days from the point of exposure. The list of close contacts who do not need to participate in testing and quarantine protocols has been updated to include individuals on school buses when students are masked with windows open, regardless of distancing. In addition, the following groups continue to be exempt from testing and quarantine: asymptomatic, vaccinated close contacts; classroom close contacts spaced at least three feet apart while students are masked; and individuals who have had COVID-19 in the past 90 days. The COVID-19 symptoms list has been updated (with more symptoms being identified as COVID-19 symptoms only when "in combination with other symptoms"), along with some points of differentiation in COVID-19 symptoms necessitating a PCR test for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms should continue to stay home until symptoms resolve. Districts and schools may continue to test students with mild symptoms with BinaxNOW tests, if available. So long as these tests are negative, individuals with mild symptoms should remain in school. As noted last year, if a student tests positive or presents COVID-19 symptoms during the school day, they should be masked, and when feasible, be in a separate room with the door closed until they can be picked up.
As a reminder, all health and safety requirements issued by DESE from the previous school year have been lifted, and all schools are required to be in-person full-time, five days per week.
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS | RETURN-TO-SCHOOL 2021-2022
APPENDIX Guidance for Potential Exposure to COVID-19 While we all hope to avoid exposure to illness from COVID-19, we need to be prepared for that possibility. If you or someone you’ve been in contact with has been exposed to the virus, our first concern is for your health and safety and those around you. In this rapidly changing situation, healthcare providers should have the most up-to-date information from the CDC.
Protocols for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios (From DESE/DPH guidance August 13, 2021)
Key Definitions This section outlines the list of COVID-19 symptoms, provides the definition of a close contact, and outlines situations where close contacts are exempt from COVID19 testing and quarantine response protocols including isolation, quarantine, and Test and Stay.
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS | RETURN-TO-SCHOOL 2021-2022
COVID-19 Symptoms Below is the full list of symptoms for which caregivers should monitor their children, and staff should monitor themselves. 1 2 Unvaccinated individuals and any close contacts presenting these symptoms should follow testing and quarantine response protocols as outlined in Section 2 of this document. Vaccinated individuals who are not close contacts should follow the testing and quarantine response protocols if they are experiencing symptoms in bold. These individuals may also seek clinical guidance to assess the need for PCR testing if they have other symptoms on this list.
COVID-19 Symptoms List: • Fever (100.0° Fahrenheit or higher), chills, or shaking chills • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • New loss of taste or smell • Muscle aches or body aches • Cough (not due to other known cause, such as chronic cough) • Sore throat, when in combination with other symptoms • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when in combination with other symptoms • Headache when in combination with other symptoms • Fatigue, when in combination with other symptoms • Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes, such as allergies) when in combination with other symptoms
1 Massachusetts DPH, Testing of Persons with Suspect COVID-19. (2020, May 13). 2 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
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Definition of a close contact Close contacts are defined as individuals who have been within 6 feet of a COVID-19 positive individual while indoors, for at least 15 minutes during a 24-hour period. 3 4 Please note that the at-risk exposure time begins 48 hours prior to symptom onset (or time of positive test if asymptomatic) and continues until the time the COVID-19 positive individual is isolated. In general, close contacts should follow the testing and quarantine response protocols in Section 2 of this document. However, certain close contacts are exempted from testing and quarantine response protocols as noted below.
Close contacts who are exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols The following close contacts are exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols: • Asymptomatic, fully vaccinated close contacts: Individuals who are asymptomatic and fully vaccinated are exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols. • Classroom close contacts: An individual who is exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual in the classroom while both individuals were masked, so long as the individuals were spaced at least 3 feet apart, is exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols. • Bus close contacts: Individuals on buses must be masked according to federal requirements. As such, individuals who are masked on buses when windows are open are exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols. • Close contacts who have had COVID-19 within the past 90 days: An individual who has been previously diagnosed with COVID-19 and then becomes a close contact of someone with COVID-19 is exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols if: • The exposure occurred within 90 days of the onset of their own illness AND • The exposed individual is recovered and remains without COVID-19 symptoms.
3 Note: To be a close contact, the 15 minutes must occur within a 24-hour period. Multiple brief or transitory interactions (less than a minute) throughout the day are unlikely to result in 15 minutes of cumulative contact and do not meet the definition of close contact. 4 CDC definition of Close Contact. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schoolschildcare/operation-strategy.html.
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS | RETURN-TO-SCHOOL 2021-2022
Recommended testing and quarantine response protocols This section outlines testing and quarantine response protocols for individuals – students and staff – who test positive for COVID-19, close contacts who are not exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols, and symptomatic individuals. Each scenario outlines the duration of any recommended quarantine or isolation, the conditions to be met in order for the individual to return to school, and any additional considerations. Overview of Protocol Categories: • Protocol A: For individuals who test positive for COVID-19 • Protocol B: Protocol for asymptomatic close contacts • Protocol C: Protocol for symptomatic individuals
Protocol A: For individuals who test positive for COVID-19 Protocol A: For individuals who test positive for COVID-19 • Duration: Self-isolation for COVID-19 positive cases is a minimum of 10 days after symptom onset or after positive PCR or antigen test, if asymptomatic. • Return to school: After 10 days 5 and once they have: • Been without fever for 24 hours (and without taking fever-reducing medications); and • Experienced improvement in other symptoms; and • Individuals who do not meet these criteria after 10 days may receive clearance from either public health authority contact tracers (the local board of health or Community Tracing Collaborative) or school health professional before returning to school. • Note: Return to school should be based on time and symptom resolution. Repeat testing prior to return is not recommended.
5 If an individual tests positive as part of a group pooled test, the 10-day period begins the day the group pooled test returned a positive result.
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Protocol B: Protocol for asymptomatic close contacts Close contacts who are not exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols and are asymptomatic follow the guidelines in Protocol B below. Please recall that all asymptomatic, fully vaccinated individuals are exempt from close contact testing and quarantine response protocols and therefore do not need to follow Protocol B. However, fully vaccinated individuals are expected to monitor for symptoms and stay home and get tested if they experience symptoms, in alignment with statewide guidance 6 and Protocol C. Note: In some cases, individuals may be asked to follow specific testing and quarantine response protocols (including durations for quarantine/isolation) provided by contact tracers or local health officials which may differ from the recommended protocols below.
Protocol B for asymptomatic close contacts who are not exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols Districts who participate in the statewide COVID-19 testing program or another similar testing program are strongly encouraged to utilize the new Test and Stay (B-1) protocol option to minimize the amount of time individuals are out of school. This testing and quarantine response protocol has been shown to be generally equivalent to quarantine for school-based contacts, and a safe alternative to at-home isolation. 7 If schools choose not to participate in the statewide COVID-19 testing program and do not participate in a similar testing initiative, unvaccinated individuals follow the traditional quarantine (B-2) protocol. Individuals who are part of the Test and Stay protocols may be eligible to participate in school sports and extracurricular activities, provided that they are in compliance with the applicable protocol. For events and sports that take place on non-school days, testing will still be required on those days to participate. As part of Test and Stay, quarantine is still strongly recommended for individuals outside of school settings.
6 Guidance for People who are Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19. Massachusetts DPH; August 2, 2021. Available at: https://www.mass.gov/guidance/guidance-for-people-who-are-fully-vaccinated-against-covid-19 7 Bernadette C Young, David W Eyre, Saroj Kendrick, Chris White, Sylvester Smith, et. al. “A cluster randomized trial of the impact of a policy of daily testing for contacts of COVID-19 cases on attendance and COVID-19 transmission in English secondary schools and colleges.” (July 2021). medRxiv. Available at: https:/www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.23.21260992v1
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS | RETURN-TO-SCHOOL 2021-2022
Protocol B-1 (Recommended): Test and Stay • Duration of Test and Stay: 7 days from the date of exposure • Return to School: Close contacts can remain in school and do not have to quarantine, as long as they: • Are asymptomatic • Wear masks in school at all times, other than when eating or drinking. When these individuals cannot be masked (i.e., when eating or drinking) they should maintain 3 feet of distance from other individuals to the extent feasible. • Take a rapid antigen test (e.g., BinaxNOW) on each school day and receive a negative result. When the 7 days from date of exposure includes weekends or holidays, individuals should quarantine on weekends, and if they remain asymptomatic, upon return to school be tested immediately. If the individual remains negative, they can stay in school. • Conduct active monitoring for symptoms through day 14, and selfisolate at home if symptoms develop. • Note: If an individual has symptoms at the time they are designated as a close contact or develops symptoms during the Test and Stay period or the 14 days following initial exposure, they should follow the protocol for symptomatic individuals (Protocol C). If an individual tests positive at any time, they should follow the protocol for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 (Protocol A).
Protocol B-2: Traditional protocol (if school does not have access to rapid daily testing or family or adult individual chooses not to participate in Test and Stay) • Duration: Quarantine is at least 7 days from the date of exposure • Return to School: After 7 days, returning on day 8, provided that they: • Remain asymptomatic • Receive a COVID test (PCR or rapid antigen) on day 5 or later and receive a negative result • Conduct active monitoring for symptoms through day 14, and selfisolate if symptoms develop. • Note: If an individual has symptoms at the time they are designated as a close contact or within the 14 days following initial exposure, they follow the protocol for symptomatic individuals (Protocol C). If an individual tests positive at any time, they follow the protocol for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 (Protocol A).
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Protocol B-3: Alternate protocol for those who choose not to receive a COVID test • Duration: Quarantine is at least 10 days from the date of exposure 8 • Return to School: After 10 days, returning on day 11, provided that they: • Have not experienced symptoms up to this point • Conduct active monitoring for symptoms through day 14, and selfisolate if symptoms develop. • Note: If an individual has symptoms at the time they are designated as a close contact or within the 14 days following initial exposure, they follow the protocol for symptomatic individuals (Protocol C). If an individual tests positive at any time, they follow the protocol for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 (Protocol A).
8 CDC Science Brief: Options to Reduce Quarantine for Contacts of Persons with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Using Symptom Monitoring and Diagnostic Testing. Dec 2, 2020. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/science/science-briefs/scientific-brief-options-to-reducequarantine.html.
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS | RETURN-TO-SCHOOL 2021-2022
Protocol C: Protocol for symptomatic individuals Protocol C applies to vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals who experience the COVID-19 symptoms listed in Section 1 applicable to their status.
Protocol C-1 (Recommended): Return to school post-symptoms with test • Duration: Dependent on symptom resolution • Return to School: Individuals may return to school after they: • Have received a negative PCR test result for COVID-19. Note: So long as the individual is not a close contact, if a medical professional makes an alternative diagnosis for the COVID-19-like symptoms, the individual may use this recommendation (e.g., for influenza or strep pharyngitis) in lieu of a PCR test. • Have improvement in symptoms • Have been without fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. • Note: If the symptomatic individual was a close contact who is not exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols, after symptoms resolve and they receive a negative PCR test, they should follow Protocol B-1 for Test and Stay. • If Test and Stay is not available or the family or adult individual opts not to participate, they follow Protocol B-2 or B-3.
Protocol C-2: Alternative protocol for symptomatic individuals who are not close contacts and choose not to receive a COVID test to return to school • Duration: Isolation is at least 10 days from symptom onset 9 • Return to School: After 10 days, returning on day 11, assuming they: • Have improvement in symptoms • Have been without fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
9 CDC Interim Guidance on Ending Isolation and Precautions for Adults with COVID-19. Mar 16, 2021. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/duration-isolation.html.
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