A new back-to-school plan: State releases updated guidance around in-person learning

News Release
For immediate release: December 16, 2020    (20-251)
Media contact: Ginny Streeter, Communications, 360-810-1628
Public inquiries: State COVID-19 Assistance Hotline, 1-800-525-0127

A new back-to-school plan: State releases updated guidance around in-person learning

​OLYMPIA –
Today the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released updated metrics to help local leaders and school officials make decisions about in-person learning and the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the school environment.
Changes to the metrics include revisions to the COVID-19 incidence rates to consider when making decisions about who to prioritize for in-person learning.  We’ve also included further clarification that local leaders also should consider test positivity and trends in cases and hospitalizations to inform decisions about expansion of in-person learning
“The changes to our school metrics are based on emerging research and data gathered by state and national health education officials and the early experiences of schools in Washington state and the nation,” said Deputy Secretary of Health for COVID-19 Response Lacy Fehrenbach. “The changes recognize with robust health and safety measures in place, transmission in the school setting appears to be limited.”
“Today we are taking a step forward in getting school children back in the classroom,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “The science has shown, and our school officials have proven that with diligent focus on health and safety measures, it is possible to bring children back to the classroom while also protecting our students, staff and community from further transmission of COVID-19.”
In addition to the updated metrics, DOH announced an increased focus on the health and safety measures that are required by law for the provision of any in-person learning in private or public K-12 schools. Some of those measures include:

• Protect staff and students at higher risk for severe COVID-19 while ensuring access to learning.
• Group students (required in elementary, recommended for middle and high school students).
• Practice physical distancing of 6 feet among students and staff.
• Promote frequent hand washing or sanitizing.
• Promote and ensure face covering use among students and staff.
• Increased cleaning and disinfection.
• Improve ventilation.
• Screening students and staff for symptoms and signs of COVID-19

Testing and contact tracing are key capacities that need to be in place to rapidly respond when there are cases among the school population to curtail transmission. DOH is also releasing guidance on COVID-19 testing in the K-12 school populations. This guidance helps local school and health leaders decide on who, how, and when to test/screen K-12 students and staff.
The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection. 
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