Dear students, staff, families and community,
Yesterday, the Department of Health (DOH) released updated guidance for K–12 schools and child care facilities, to take effect after the Governor’s State of Emergency expires on October 31.
You will note that, once the State of Emergency expires, the only COVID-related safety requirements that will remain in place are the protocols that were already in law prior to the pandemic. This includes:
- All cases and suspected cases of COVID-19 in a school or child care setting must be reported to the local health jurisdiction (WAC 246-101);
- All outbreaks or suspected outbreaks of COVID-19 in a school or child care setting must be reported to the local health jurisdiction (see the updated guidance for the definition of an outbreak) (WAC 246-101);
- Schools and child care facilities must cooperate with public health authorities in the investigation of cases, suspected cases, outbreaks, and suspected outbreaks that may be associated with the school or child care facility; and
- As employers, schools and child care facilities must notify the Department of Labor & Industries about COVID-19 outbreaks of 10 or more employees at a facility.
We will keep our COVID Dashboard up to date each week and remain diligent regarding airflow in our facilities as well as cleaning. Rapid tests are available by request at each school for any families that would like to test at home when symptoms are present.
It is just the beginning of the season when we start to experience more illnesses. Respiratory illnesses are being reported throughout the nation, and we are experiencing them locally. According to the Whatcom County Health Department hospitals are at capacity for pediatric beds with an uptick of RSV as well as Influenza cases. They recommend flu shots and COVID vaccinations to mitigate the spread of illnesses. It is important to remind students to wash their hands frequently, stay home if they are sick, and wear a mask if they so choose. Let’s all do our best to stay healthy!
If you are celebrating Halloween, please be safe, have fun, and be ready to learn at school!
Go Baker!
Sincerely,
Mary Sewright, Superintendentmsewright@mtbaker.wednet.edu (360) 617-4600