Health Information & Resources

The health and safety of students and staff are a top priority and guide our decision making as we look to begin the 2021-2022 School Year.

The New Canaan Public Schools is working with the New Canaan Health Department to monitor current disease levels and continue our successful practices to support student and staff health and limit the transmission of disease and also support social/emotional health.

These resources and recommendations are based on current guidance from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Governor Ned Lamont’s Plan as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations.

Vaccines

Vaccination is the most effective mitigation strategy available, and the New Canaan Public Schools strongly encourage every eligible person to become vaccinated as soon as possible.

Vaccinations are widely available throughout the region. Locally, next-day appointments can be made by calling the New Canaan Health Department at 203-594-3019.

Vaccination is available to everyone 12 years of age and older. There are many benefits to becoming vaccinated, including:


  • People who are fully-vaccinated are helping to keep themselves, their families, and our community safe.

  • Fully vaccinated students and staff no longer need to quarantine from school or other activities following contact with a COVID-19 case if they remain symptom-free.

  • Athletic teams with larger numbers of fully-vaccinated athletes and coaches are much more likely to have uninterrupted and complete seasons.

  • Fully vaccinated students do not need to wear a mask outdoors in crowded outdoor settings (unless instructed to do so for specific reasons).

  • Vaccinated individuals are much less likely to contract COVID-19, even less likely to pass it on to someone else, and even less likely than that to become seriously ill.


In alignment with Executive Order 13D, all NCPS employees and contractors (bus drivers, etc.) are required to be fully vaccinated by October, 2021. For the few instances where exemptions are appropriate, a weekly COVID-19 testing regimen will be enforced.

Resources

Universal and Correct Wearing of Masks:

Universal masking is another powerful mitigation strategy against the spread of COVID-19. Masks were ubiquitous throughout the NCPS in 2020-2021 as we upheld the universal mask mandate in the district’s five (5) schools and the central office, and as we start the 2021-2022 school year we are implementing the same.

Currently, Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 12A authorizes the Connecticut Department of Public Health to issue requirements for Masks and Facial Coverings in schools. E.O. 12A, and the subsequent DPH requirements, require universal face coverings in all school buildings at all times. This mask mandate is a binding legal requirement.

Therefore, all students and staff, and any other building occupants at any time, are required to wear a properly fitting face covering (mask) while inside the school buildings, at all times.

E.O. 12A is currently scheduled to expire on September 30, 2021; prior to expiration, we will review the state of the pandemic and our schools to inform the district’s decision regarding masks when the E.O. is no longer in effect.

The universal mask requirements apply anytime individuals are in school buildings. When outside of school buildings, masks are optional unless in a crowded outdoor space. If in a crowded space, unvaccinated individuals are expected to wear masks, and they remain optional for those who are fully vaccinated.

Helpful Resources

Covid -19 When to stay home- website