Update for May 11-24, 2022

• Numbers are for the past 2 weeks

• Total number of student cases in the schools: 48

• Total number of staff cases in the schools: 21

Update for April 27 - May 10, 2022

• Numbers are for the past 2 weeks

• Total number of student cases in the schools: 25

• Total number of staff cases in the schools: 19

To stay home or come to school:

CDC and DOH guidance has changed over the course of the school year. It has made it difficult to keep up with current requirements. We hope this COVID update helps to clear up the questions of when your student should stay home and when they can come to school.

My student tested positive for COVID-19:

Students are eligible to return to school and/or any extracurricular activities within the following guidelines:

• The first day of symptoms (or the day they test positive) is day 0

• If 5 days have passed, symptoms have improved and they test negative for COVID-19, they can return (on day 6) while wearing a mask through day 10

OR

• If 5 days have passed, symptoms have improved and they do not test, they must wear a mask day 6-10

My student has COVID-like symptoms:

Students must go home if they have COVID-like symptoms. They can return once symptoms improve and if they wear a mask for the full 10 days after symptom onset (day 0).

My student was exposed to COVID-19:

If a student is in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, they may continue to attend school unless they develop symptoms or test positive themselves. In that case, they will need to follow the above guidance.

Update for April 20-26, 2022

• Total number of student cases in the schools: 34

• Total number of staff cases in the schools: 23

COVID Communication:

Washington State Department of Health requires schools to have a process in place to inform students, children, families, and staff when there are cases or outbreaks of COVID-19 in the school. One way we can notify our families is to send weekly updates (this newsletter) or provide a Data Dashboard. Until now, we have chosen to do both. Starting in May we will continue to maintain weekly updates to the district Dashboard but will only send a Family COVID Update twice a month.

Current requirements:

With a better understanding of how SARS-CoV2 acts, our increased ability to respond to COVID-19 and a decrease in the number of positive cases, DOH and KPHD guidance has become less subject to change. This stability in guidance, means that we can stop clogging up your inbox with continual updates.

DOH guidance still requires us to ensure the following:

• Staff and volunteers are fully vaccinated or obtain a waiver

• Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 isolates based on our Return to Work/School schedule

• Testing is available for anyone who develops COVID-like symptoms or is concerned about COVID-19 exposure

• Maintain our COVID Dashboard (updated each Wednesday)

• Communicate updates with families twice each month

• Notify families with medically fragile or immunocompromised students when they are exposed to a positive case of COVID-19 at school

• Report positive cases of COVID-19 to Kitsap Public Health and the CDC

In addition to these requirements, we are asking families to help us maintain a healthy environment for our staff and students by keeping students home when they are not feeling well, test students before returning and letting your school know if they test positive for COVID-19.

Update for April 13-19, 2022

• Total number of student cases in the schools: 11

• Total number of staff cases in the schools: 9

COVID-19 Uptick in Cases:

Kitsap County is seeing a slight rise in the number of positive COVID-19 cases. According to the CDC and Washington State DOH, one of the best ways to protect yourself and your student from COVID-19 is by being vaccinated. According to the KPHD web site people who are unvaccinated are 3 times more likely to contract COVID-19, 6 times more likely to be hospitalized and 17 times more likely to die from contracting the disease.

Immunization compliance:

Although students are not required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 next year, state laws and rules require compliance with immunization requirements for other diseases on or before the first day of attendance at school. The purpose of the previously required state immunizations is to protect the health of the public and individuals against certain vaccine-preventable diseases. The vaccination requirements for other diseases are not new. Again, vaccination against COVID-19 is not required for next school year.

The Department of Health and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction feel strongly about the importance of keeping our students, staff, and their families safe and healthy. We understand that during these extraordinary times, there may be questions and concerns about school immunization requirements as well as limited access to vaccinations. If your student is not fully vaccinated against the diseases below you can schedule an appointment through your healthcare provider. If you do not currently have a healthcare provider, you can reach out to Peninsula Community Health Services, become a patient and schedule a well child visit through their web site or by calling 360-377-3776 .

In Washington, all children under age 19 can get free vaccines from their health care provider. Providers may charge an office visit fee and a fee to give the vaccine, called an administration fee. If you cannot pay the administration fee, you can ask your health care provider to waive the cost.

Required immunizations (and doses) for attendance in Washington State schools:

DTap (5) Polio (4) MMR (2) Varicella (2) Hep B (3) Hib (4) PCV (4)

Update for March 30-April 12, 2022

• Total number of student cases in the schools: 1

• Total number of staff cases in the schools: 0

Student COVID-19 Vaccination:

The State Board of Health (SBOH) organized a technical advisory group (TAG) made up of doctors, public health officials, school partners, and other community members. The TAG met over several months to better understand the issues surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations for our students. Based on their recommendation yesterday the State Board of Health made the determination that students will not be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccination to attend school next fall. Read the announcement.

From SBOH & DOH:

SBOH and the Department of Health (DOH) continue to support COVID-19 vaccines as being safe and effective, and particularly protective against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. DOH would like to remind community members to continue to help protect our schools, educators, and students by getting vaccinated and boosted, if eligible. DOH asks people to wear a mask if needed, stay home and get tested if they feel sick, and follow isolation recommendations if they test positive.

We are anticipating the current health and safety guidance from the state Department of Health will remain in place next fall. This includes regular cleaning and disinfecting, encouraging masks, sharing reminders of proper hand hygiene, and physical distancing to the extent possible while ensuring a full-time in-person opportunity for all students. As a reminder, as we have learned throughout the pandemic, the situation with the virus can evolve and sometimes the guidance changes for us to continue providing the safest learning environment possible for our school community.

Thank you for your continued flexibility and partnership as we navigate and implement changes to state guidance. If you would like further information about the SBOH decision or DOH or KPHD guidance, please visit:

SBOH student COVID- 19 vaccinations

DOH COVID-19 web page

KPHD COVID-19 web page

Update for March 23-29, 2022

• Total number of student cases in the schools: 6

• Total number of staff cases in the schools: 1

Testing After Spring Break:

Yesterday, students received an iHealth test kit to take home.

Why did BSD send test kits home?

Screening testing: COVID testing for students and staff prior to returning to school after spring break is not required but can assist in identifying individuals who may be infected and contagious. Identification can lead to decreasing transmission by ensuring prompt isolation of cases to limit onward spread of disease. According to the DOH, it reduces the spread of COVID-19 by allowing “people to take precautions, like quarantining, in a timely manner to stop the virus from spreading; infected people without symptoms can still spread the virus.”

Viral Tests: A viral test tells you if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, using samples that come from your nose or mouth. There are two types of viral tests: rapid tests and laboratory tests. The iHealth test kit you received is a rapid test.

Rapid Tests: are tests that can be administered with results in minutes. Self-tests are rapid tests that can be taken at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results. iHealth are viral rapid tests. Here is a video to learn how to administer the iHealth test.

Learn how to take the iHealth test with this link

Aprende a hacer el test iHealth con este enlace

Is it required for my student to take a COVID test before returning from spring break?

No, it is not required for your student to take a COVID test before returning to school after spring break. However, if your student has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, if they have any COVID-19 like symptoms or if you just want to make sure they do not have COVID before returning to school, feel free to test them. You will not need to report any results if they are negative nor will they be kept out of school if they have not tested. We only ask that you let us know if you test them and they are positive for COVID-19.

Update for March 16-22, 2022

• Total number of student cases in the schools: 2

• Total number of staff cases in the schools: 0

Testing at School:

The Department of Health supports school testing by providing COVID-19 test kits and modifying quarantine times for students who test and/or wear a mask. “Timely testing of symptomatic students and staff helps reduce days of in-person instruction lost.”

Testing at school will impact the number of days students miss when they:

Test positive: If your student tests positive for COVID-19, the quarantine period can be reduced from 10 days to 5 days

1. after testing negative for COVID on day 5 or later and

2. by wearing a mask on days 6-10.

3. If students test positive or choose not to test, they will need to isolate for the full 10 days.

Are symptomatic: If your student develops COVID-19 symptoms, they must quarantine for 10 days unless

1. symptoms have resolved and they wear a mask through day 10 or

2. they test negative for COVID-19 and their symptoms have resolved.

Reduce the spread: According to the DOH, testing helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 because it “allows people to take precautions, like quarantining, in a timely manner to stop the virus from spreading; infected people without symptoms can still spread the virus. Testing also helps public health officials identify and respond to outbreaks, and to track new variants of the virus. Testing is an important component in helping resume normal activities. COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms, so if you’re not feeling well, it’s best to get tested as soon as possible.”

If you are isolated because you tested positive for COVID-19 or are in quarantine because you have symptoms, you can get access to critical assistance through Care Connect Washington. This program provides food, care kits, and other assistance to people who need to isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19.

For more information on Care Connect Washington.

¿Necesita ayuda mientras está aislado o en cuarentena en casa? Care Connect Washington

Kailangan ng Tulong Habang Ikaw ay Nakabukod o Naka-quarantine sa Bahay? Care Connect Washington

Update for March 9-15, 2022

• Total number of student cases in the schools: 0

• Total number of staff cases in the schools: 1

DOH Guidance When Symptoms Present

The Washington State Department of Health is asking that anyone with COVID-like symptoms stay home and get tested. Once symptoms resolve and they test negative for COVID-19 your student is eligible to return to school. COVID-like symptoms include:

• Fever

• Shortness of breath

• Difficulty breathing

• Muscle or body aches

• New loss of taste or smell

• Cough (new, changed or worsening)

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Sore throat

What do I do when my student isn’t feeling well?

Stay home: By keeping your student home when they are sick, they are more likely to recover quickly and less likely to spread their illness to others. The DOH and CDC requires keeping students home until at least 24 hours after their fever is gone without the use of medicine and their other symptoms have resolved.

Test: Someone with COVID-19 can transmit the virus for upto 10 days. The CDC and DOH require students get tested for COVID-19 if they want to return before the full 10 day quarantine. Once your student feels better and tests negative for COVID, they can return to school with the option of wearing a mask.

Mask: Because COVID-19 can be transmitted for 10 days after exposure and because individuals with COVID-19 may be asymptomatic, students who do not get tested for COVID-19 must wear a mask during their 10 day quarantine period. If your student feels better and wants to return to school, but does not want to get tested for COVID, they can just wear their mask while at school until their quarantine period is completed.

Washington state residents can go to https://www.covidtests.gov/ to order up to 4 free tests delivered at no cost while supplies last. The state will reopen the portal as supplies are available.

Update for March 2 - 8, 2021

• Total number of student cases in the schools: 1

• Total number of staff cases in the schools: 0

New State Guidance

The Governor’s office and the Washington State Department of Health recently updated the K-12 schools COVID guidance. Below is a summary of changes that may impact your student(s):

Masking Mandate:

Outdoors: On February 9, 2022, Governor Inslee announced that masks are no longer required at large outdoor events starting February 18, 2022. Athletes, coaches and spectators are not required to wear a mask while participating in or watching an outdoor event. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask will be supported in doing so. It is the Bremerton School District’s expectation that people will be respected in their choice to wear, or not wear, a mask.

Indoors: On February 28, the Governor, with the support of OSPI superintendent Chris Reykdal and the Department of Health, announced that the requirement to wear masks on school buses and in school will be optional for students and staff in most situations beginning March 14, 2022. Students and staff will have the choice whether or not to wear a mask. The Bremerton School District expects people to be treated with respect regardless of their choice.

Times Masks Will Still Be Required:

There are still times the Department of Health guidance requires students and staff to wear a mask. Masks will be required:

• When in the health room

• When in the TOR (COVID testing room)

• Day 6-10 of quarantine from testing positive for COVID-19 without a negative test on day 5 or later

Many in our community will choose to continue to wear masks to protect their health. We encourage everyone to respect the decisions of those around you, and to follow the best public health practices for you and your family.

You can find out more information about why the mask mandate is being lifted at school from OPSI’s FAQ on Lifting the Mask Mandate.

Update for February 16-22, 2021

• Total number of student cases in the schools: 11

• Total number of staff cases in the schools: 4

Masking Guidance

The Governor’s office and the Washington State Department of Health recently updated the guidelines governing the use of masks. Below is a summary of changes that may impact your student(s):

Outdoor masking:

On February 9, 2022, Governor Inslee announced that masks are no longer required at large outdoor events starting February 18, 2022. Athletes, coaches and spectators are not required to wear a mask while participating in or watching an outdoor event. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask will be supported in doing so. It is the Bremerton School District’s expectation that people will be respected in their choice to wear, or not wear, a mask.

Indoor masking at school:

On February 17, the Governor, with the support of OSPI superintendent Chris Reykdal and the Department of Health, announced that the requirement to wear masks in schools will be optional for students beginning March 21, 2022. KPHD has expressed its intention to remove the requirement to wear a mask indoors as well. Once the requirement to wear a mask is lifted, students will have the choice whether or not to wear a mask. The Bremerton School District expects people to be treated with respect regardless of their choice.

Masking while on a school bus is governed by Federal regulations and will continue to be required after the mask mandate has been lifted on March 21, 2022. There has been no indication that this will change this school year.

Quarantine and masking:

The Department of Health currently requires anyone who is participating in the Test to Stay program or a modified quarantine to wear masks for the duration of the quarantine. We are waiting for DOH and KPHD guidance on whether this will still be a requirement after March 21, 2022.

Masking until March 21:

Until the masking requirement is removed on March 21, 2022, our current protocols will remain in place. Masks will be required indoors at all times, physical distancing will be maintained and testing and quarantine timelines will be carried out according to our Return to Work/School Flowchart.

You can find out more information about why the mask mandate is being lifted at school from OPSI’s FAQ on Lifting the Mask Mandate.

Update for February 9-15, 2021

• Total number of student cases in the schools: 32

• Total number of staff cases in the schools: 8

Quarantine timelines

The Washington State Department of Health recently updated K-12 COVID guidance. Below is a summary of changes that may impact your student(s):

Vaccinated students:

Fully-vaccinated students do not need to quarantine or test to attend school if they are close contacts. Students are considered “fully-vaccinated” 2 weeks after receiving both Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination shots. This is not new guidance.

What’s new: The updated guidance allows students who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have fully recovered within the last 90 days to continue to attend school and participate in extracurricular activities without testing if they are close contacts and are symptom- free. Screen testing for extracurricular activities is still in place for vaccinated and unvaccinated students, however, fully recovered, symptom free athletes do not need to screen test.

Unvaccinated students

The new guidance gives unvaccinated students three quarantine options if they have been in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 as long as they do not develop symptoms. BSD offers all three options to families.

1. Families who are not comfortable with testing their student for COVID-19 may choose to quarantine for the full quarantine period. This will vary depending on the circumstances and we will always communicate the full quarantine timeline and date of return in our emails.

2. Families who are comfortable with their student testing at school may return to school immediately to be tested. They will be allowed to go to class with a negative test result. The testing period end date will be communicated to families by the District.

3. Families who are willing to have their student tested but prefer to test them outside of school may provide test results to the school. The test will need to occur on or after the testing period end date provided. Students will need to quarantine while waiting to test.

Changes in isolation periods

The state has changed the isolation timelines for students who test positive for COVID-19. If a student tests positive for COVID-19 they may shorten their quarantine from 10 days to 5 days if they are symptom-free and test negative for COVID-19 on day 5 or later. If students choose to test at the school, they must report to the TOR on day 6 or later before heading to class.

Update for February 2-8, 2022

• Total number of student cases in the schools: 31

• Total number of staff cases in the schools: 6

Close contact tracing & communication:

School districts in Washington state are tasked with helping the Washington State Department of Health and the Kitsap Public Health District (KPHD) contact trace. They have recently identified high transmission areas for us to focus our contact tracing efforts. These areas are based on where COVID-19 is most likely to spread. What this means for our students:

Because of the widespread nature of COVID-19, all students should consider themselves potential contacts. KPHD has asked students and their families to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and to stay home and get tested if they develop any symptoms. If a student is unable to get tested outside of school, they may return to school to test after symptoms have resolved.

Contact tracing will occur when cases are identified in high transmission areas according to KPHD guidelines. To keep all students in school safely, students will have access to testing before school starts if they come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and do not develop symptoms. Please remember students should stay home and get tested if they develop any symptoms.

Bremerton School District is committed to keeping families informed. We have developed a COVID-19 Dashboard to keep you up to date with the following information:

1. Number of cases of COVID-19 among our students and staff as a district and broken down by building, as well as the total number of cases that have been in the building when contagious this year.

2. A quarantine timeline that provides guidance on who should quarantine, the difference between isolation and quarantine, and the amount of time a person should quarantine based on their circumstances.

3. COVID Spotlight that clarifies specific topics as information becomes available.

We will continue to keep you updated on any changes to the Department of Health and KPHD guidance.