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COVID-19 Safety Protocols

August 5, 2022 - State Department of Health Outlines Required COVID Protocols for Schools; Relaxes Some Provisions

On Friday, August 5, the Washington State Department of Health updated COVID-19 protocols required for all schools and child care centers this fall.

It can be accessed HERE   

The document contains mitigation measures schools must adhere to when students and staff return this school year. Many measures are similar to what was in place last spring; student mask wearing remains optional, employees and classroom volunteers are still required to be fully vaccinated unless they qualify for an exemption, COVID-19 vaccinations for children remain recommended but not required, and monitoring for symptoms and testing continue to be the recommended practice to help slow school-based spread.

Some school based requirements were relaxed in the updated guidance. The WaDOH updated isolation procedures when testing positive, they eliminated quarantining requirements for students under some circumstances, and relaxed reporting requirements.

Following is a brief summary of the updated guidance:
• A student or staff member who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, is required to isolate at home but is able to return after five full days as long as they are:
o Asymptomatic; or,
o Their symptoms have improved and they are fever free over the last 24 hours (without the aid of fever-reducing medication).
• Schools are only expected to maintain a weekly newsletter or online dashboard that identifies positive cases within a school.
• Schools will continue to provide masks for students and employees who wish to wear one during the day.
• With parental permission, schools will continue to facilitate COVID-19 testing for students as well as staff.

School officials are still awaiting updated guidance from the WaDOH and/or WIAA related to any updated COVID-19 protocol as it relates to fall athletics and school activities. Once received, the district will communicate those with families, students and coaches. Those with questions are encouraged to contact their child’s school nurse for more information.

 Washington State Department of Health website 

WALLA WALLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS • 364 South Park St. • Walla Walla, WA 99362 • Phone: 509-527-3000 • Fax: 509.529.7713

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