The Washington State Department of Health has issued updated COVID-19 health and safety guidance for schools this fall. Following these safety measures reduces the spread of COVID-19 in our school community.
Health and safety requirements for this fall:
- Masks are optional for all students, staff, and visitors. Students with symptoms of respiratory illness will be required to mask while they are waiting to be picked-up from school.
- Students and staff who show symptoms of COVID-19 are required to stay home, or go home, if they become ill at school. Individuals will be expected to follow the guidance in the WA DOH flowchart concerning when to return to school.
- Students, staff, and families seeking COVID-19 testing may contact their schools. Our school health services offices located in each of our schools have access to at-home COVID tests that can be provided to staff, students and parents for administration at home.
- When students are ill they should go home/stay home until fever free without medication for 24 hours and symptoms are improving. If an individual elects to test for COVID-19 and they test positive, it is recommended that they stay home for 5 full days.
- Students, staff, and families seeking COVID-19 testing may contact their schools. Our school health services offices located in each of our schools have access to at-home COVID tests that can be provided to staff, students and parents for administration at home. Additionally, in Washington state, you can receive free self-tests from Say Yes! COVID Test program. Most insurance covers the costs of up to 8 self-tests per individual per month.
- COVID-19 vaccinations remain the best protection for everyone against hospitalization and severe disease from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is now available for children 6 months and older. Booster doses are also available for children 5 years and older. You are encouraged to vaccinate your children if they are eligible, in consultation with your healthcare provider.
These requirements are in place for all public and private K-12 schools and childcare facilities in Washington state. Schools and childcare facilities are required by state law to follow these guidelines.
Families are encouraged to test as needed at home. Students, staff, and families may access tests at no cost from all of our schools. Additionally, in Washington state, you can receive free self-tests from Say Yes! COVID Test program. Most insurance covers the costs of up to 8 self-tests per individual per month.
COVID-19 vaccinations remain the best protection for everyone against hospitalization and severe disease from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is now available for children 6 months and older. Booster doses are also available for children 5 years and older. You are encouraged to vaccinate your children if they are eligible, in consultation with your healthcare provider.
Below are the links to the COVID information in the languages our district primarily serves here:
