EUSD Community COVID Updates

Greetings EUSD Community,

For the past few weeks, our district experienced increased concern and absences during the COVID-19 surge. Despite the challenges, there has also been an increased level of care and support by staff, students, and families to reduce the spread of COVID. I want to thank you personally for remaining steadfast in adhering to the COVID protocols by wearing masks, participating in weekly testing, and keeping those exhibiting COVID symptoms at home. Your efforts are appreciated.

According to public health experts, the rate of contagion is starting to decrease, so this is a positive sign. More information about case rates for Alameda County can be found on Alameda County’s Public Health Department webpage.

EUSD continues to work diligently to reduce the spread by adhering to the protocols and guidance established by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD). Below is information regarding the most recent changes to the COVID-19 protocols for students and staff that can be found in the ACPHD/ACOE School Guidance.

The ACPHD/ACOE School Guidance provides specific steps for what to do:

• If students tests positive for COVID-19;

• If students experience COVID-19 symptoms;

• If vaccinated students were exposed to someone with COVID-19;

• If unvaccinated students were exposed to someone with COVID-19

Changes to TK-12 COVID-19 Protocols for Students

• Standard Quarantine Reduced: Unvaccinated students who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 can end quarantine after Day 5 (returning to school on Day 6) if symptoms are not present or resolving AND proof of a negative test on or after Day 5 is provided. Previously, the quarantine duration was 10 days, reducing the number of days by half.

• Modified Quarantine Participation in Extracurriculars: Students participating in the modified quarantine may participate in school-based extracurriculars.

• Expanded Use of At-Home Test Kits: Students now have the flexibility to use any FDA-approved at-home antigen test, monitored antigen test, or PCR test to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 status to be released from isolation or quarantine.

• 90-Day COVID Positive Quarantine Exemption: Unvaccinated students who have been previously infected with COVID-19 in the past 90 days are not required to quarantine.

• Prior to school return: If a student must quarantine or isolate at home, the parent/guardian will receive notification from Nurse Hannah or a member of the COVID Task Force regarding the student's return date via email. We ask that the parent/guardian adhere to the return date and provide the school's front office with verification of the student's negative COVID test result (if applicable) before the student returns to school.

On our website, we will link the COVID-19 guidance documents (flowcharts, timelines, testing scenarios) from the ACOE and ACPHD. In the meantime, please refer to the guidance provided in this communication as a resource.

N95/KN95 masks were distributed to each school site for all students and staff as an extra layer of protection. While these masks are available through the Omicron surge, they are not required.

According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), all masks may be safely reused if they are clean, provide good filtration and both the ear loops and nose clip provide a snug fit. Please review the CDPH Masking Tips for Children for additional information.

The Biden Administration is providing free at-home COVID-19 tests via the United States Postal Service (USPS). The ordering site is now live, and the process couldn't be any easier!

Each residential address is allowed four (4) at-home tests, regardless of the number of people living in the residence. If interested, here is the link to request the testing kits.

As a district, we believe that providing a nurturing learning environment with in-person classroom instruction is important to the growth and well-being of our students. In addition, the State of California and California Public Health Department have communicated that keeping schools open remains a top priority.

Per Assembly Bill 130, all public schools in California are required to provide in-person instruction. If school districts elect to close schools due to COVID-related concerns, they must adhere to a stringent process that involves the county and state offices of education and the public health department before a school closure is approved. Districts that close without approval can face significant penalties that include the loss of funding.

We also recognize that one size does not fit all. If desired, families have the option to enroll their child(ren) in the Independent Study Program to receive distance learning at home. For additional information, please contact Dr. Mila Kell (Director of Curriculum and Instruction) at mila.kell@emeryusd.org or call (510) 601-4950.

As a district, we continue to work closely with the public health department and the Alameda County of Education. Although we had an uptick in COVID cases, the rate of contagion remains far lower than the state and county averages. So, we believe our measures of wearing masks, maintaining cleaning protocols, and having air purifiers indoors help to reduce the spread of COVID.

We thank our community for supporting these efforts and know we will be better together in both health and spirit! Please do not hesitate to contact your school if you have any questions.

Again, we thank you!

Email: quiauna.scott@emeryusd.org
Website: https://emeryusd.k12.ca.us/
Location: 4727 San Pablo Avenue, Emeryville, CA, USA
Phone: (510) 601-4904
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emeryunified