Updated Mask Policy
Effective October 18, 2021
Executive Order 21-27, currently in effect through October 31, 2021, states that local school boards are responsible for implementing local measures and restrictions to address the impact and spread of COVID-19. The Executive Order also states that these restrictions and measures may no be less restrictive than directives of the Indiana Department of Health.
The Indiana State Department of Health has issued COVID-19 Control Measures (IC 16-41-2-1) for K-12 schools with regard to quarantine and isolation. Washington Community Schools has been strongly advised by our legal council to follow any directives from Governor Holcomb, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Daviess County Health Department.
The Control Measures include the following directives regarding contact tracing and quarantine procedures:
● District-Wide Mask requirement in a classroom setting – close contacts (within 3 ft.) are not required to quarantine and may continue to attend school as long as they are asymptomatic.
● District-Wide Masks optional in a classroom setting – close contacts (within 6 ft.) must quarantine.
Our schools continue to work collaboratively to implement data-based measures that will afford a safe learning environment. School-based data regarding the spread of COVID-19, while recognizing the level of community spread, can provide meaningful information that can aid in decisions regarding school operations.
On Friday, October 1st, the Daviess County Health Department approved Washington Community Schools protocols. Beginning Monday, October 18, 2021, the district will utilize the matrix below to determine operational protocols. Based on the current Daviess County ISDH color designation (orange) and school level data, masks will be Strongly Recommended (Optional) beginning Monday, October 18, 2021.
| County Color | Active Cases | Mask Status | Contact Tracing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | Less than 4% in a school | Strongly Recommended (optional) in classroom setting | Within 3 ft. Must quarantine |
| Yellow | Less than 4% in a school | Strongly Recommended (optional) in classroom setting | Within 6 ft. Must quarantine |
| Orange | Less than 4% in a school |
Strongly Recommended (optional) in classroom setting |
Within 6 ft. Must quarantine |
| Greater than 4% in a school | Required for 2 weeks | Within 3 ft. No quarantine |
|
| Red | Less than 4% in a school |
Strongly Recommended (optional) in classroom setting | Within 6 ft. Must quarantine |
| Greater than 4% in a school | Required for 2 weeks | Within 3 ft. No quarantine |
In addition, if the number of COVID-19-related student absences in a school building exceeds 10%, masks will be required for that school building for a 2 week period.
Exposures in outdoor settings during the day do not require contact tracing such as recess, physical education, outdoor learning labs, etc.
Exposures during indoor activities where masks cannot be worn, such as breakfast and lunch, choir, band, and physical education will require contact tracing within 6 ft. and quarantine.
Quarantine Guidance
Students exposed to COVID-19 and identified as a close contact will be required to comply with quarantine time periods and may return to school:
● On day 11 – no testing required.
● On day 8 – with an approved negative COVID-19 test given on day 5,6, or 7.
Exceptions to quarantine include:
● Proof of vaccination (2 weeks after 1 dose or 2nd dose in a series)
● Proof of approved positive COVID-19 test within the last 90 days.
K-12 Extra-Curricular Activities
An outbreak of COVID-19 in an Extra-Curricular setting is defined as two (2) or more laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases that are epidemiologically linked, with onset of illness within a 48-hour period. The cases may be linked by affiliation or attendance at the same school, facility, or workplace. To reach the outbreak threshold, the cases must reside in at least two (2) different households.
The following outbreak control measures will be utilized:
● Confirmed cases will be required to isolate for 10 calendar days from the date of the positive test.
● Close contacts will quarantine for 10 days and return on day 11, OR quarantine for 7 days and return on day 8 IF they present the nurse with an approved PCR or BinaxNOW negative COVID-19 test taken on days 5-7.
● On day 8 – with an approved negative COVID-19 test given on day 5,6, or 7.
The COVID-19 Dashboard will be updated with the most current positivity rate every Friday at noon. The updated positivity rate on Friday will determine our mask policy for the following week.
Please remember to keep your children home from school when they are sick and monitor your child daily for symptoms.
Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order, mandates from the Indiana Department of Health, and the Daviess County Health Department will supersede Washington Community Schools’ COVID-19 policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this mean?
If the district moves to Masks Strongly Recommended (Optional), the district will follow the ISDH Control Measures. Quarantined students will have the opportunity to complete assignments virtually.
If masks are optional, but my child chooses to wear a mask, will they be exempt from quarantine?
No. While we strongly recommend that students wear a mask to avoid getting sick and spreading the disease to others, wearing a mask does not exempt you from quarantine.
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Example: Emma wears a mask every day, but Sam does not. Emma and Sam sit next to each other in class. They are within 6 ft of each other for longer than 15 minutes. If Sam tests positive, Emma will be required to quarantine.
Per the ISDH mandates, the only exclusion from quarantine is as follows:
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Students who are completely vaccinated.
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Proof of approved positive COVID-19 test within the last 90 days.
What can my child(ren) and I do to avoid getting sick?
To help keep our students and staff healthy, we recommend that families:
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Wear a mask whenever possible.
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Monitor daily for symptoms.
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Stay home when you are sick.
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Stay at least 6 ft. from others who do not live in your household whenever possible.
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Wash your hands frequently.
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Avoid large group gatherings outside of school.
