Answers for Our Community

As outlined in MCDPH K-12 school guidance, consistent implementation of 5 key mitigation strategies is recommended for all schools: 

1. Universal and correct use of masks

2. Physical distancing

3. Handwashing and respiratory etiquette

4. Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities

5. Contact tracing in combination with isolation and quarantine
   

MCDPH recommends schools offer at least the degree of in-person learning recommended in the K-12 Learning Modes based on the community transmission level for Maricopa County. If the two indicators suggest different levels, the actions corresponding to the higher threshold should be chosen, e.g. if one indicator is orange and one is yellow, actions corresponding to orange (substantial transmission) should be followed.

Governor Ducey’s Executive Order 2021-4 requires all district and charter schools to offer in-person learning by March 15, 2021 as follows:

• Low and Moderate Community Transmission

  • Elementary, Middle, and High Schools — in-person learning and virtual learning options

• Substantial Community Transmission

  • Elementary Schools — in-person learning and virtual learning options

  • Middle and High Schools — in-person learning and virtual learning options; may reduce attendance

• High Community Transmission

  • Elementary Schools — in-person learning and virtual learning options

  • Middle and High Schools — in-person learning and virtual learning options are required ifthe school has already been open; a school may operate virtually, if in-person learning had not previously resumed
    

Many schools in Maricopa County have successfully implemented a safe hybrid learning mode with mitigation strategies that include wearing masks at all times, maintaining physical distancing of 6 feet or more (to the greatest extent possible), and careful surveillance for COVID-19 cases and outbreaks on a school-by-school level. Per Arizona Executive Order 2021-04, schools that are already open for in-person instruction should continue to operate and strictly implement mitigation strategies. These schools should consult local public health in the event of a school-related outbreak.

How does Maricopa County Department of Public Health define an outbreak?

Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) defines an outbreak as two positive COVID-19 cases within a 14-day period who do not share a household. If you see more than one case for a particular campus, but have not received a notice of an outbreak, it may be because MCDPH cannot link the cases or they have not yet provided us with the outcome of their investigation.

At what level of outbreak do you recommend closing a school?

Similar to determining when to reopen schools for in-person learning, the decision of when to quarantine a group of students or a classroom, or when to close a portion or all of the school will be made in conjunction with public health officials. This may take into account a number of factors, including but not limited to:

• • The level of community transmission

  • Whether cases have been identified among students and staff

  • If cases are identified, how many classrooms are attached

  • Percent absenteeism in the school

  • Student population being affected (i.e. age of students, classrooms affected, etc.)

  • The mitigation plans in place

  • The importance of in-person education to the social, emotional, and academic growth and well-being of the student population

How will this be addressed?

We immediately work with our maintenance staff in order to take appropriate measures to ensure any areas potentially exposed by this individual are thoroughly cleaned, including high-touch areas like doorknobs and countertops.