- Chester County Intermediate Unit
- Chester County Intermediate Unit
Updated CDC Guidance & Masking Information
February 27, 2022
On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced updated information on how COVID-19 community levels will be measured and what school and community mitigation strategies are recommended. Below is a summary of the new CDC guidelines and how they will impact Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) schools and programs.
Summary of CDC Guidelines
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The CDC has identified three new COVID-19 community levels: low, medium and high. The levels are determined by evaluating hospital bed usage, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area.
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Masking indoors in public spaces, including schools, is impacted by these levels.
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Individuals should but are not mandated to wear masks indoors when the community level is high.
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As of Friday, Chester County is in the medium community level. In the medium community level, the CDC indicates that individuals who are at high risk for severe illness should talk to their healthcare provider about the need to wear a mask and take other precautions.
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The CDC states that individuals may choose to wear a mask at any time regardless of community level.
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Effective February 25, the CDC does not require wearing of masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs.
The CCIU Health & Safety Plan has allowed for revisions to be made after consulting with the Chester County Health Department, CDC, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. As a result, all CCIU schools and buildings, with the exception of Head Start and Pre-K Counts (Federally/State regulated), will transition to masks optional for students and staff effective Monday, February 28, 2022.
What does that mean for school on Monday?
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In accordance with the new CDC guidelines, masks will be optional for students, staff, and visitors while inside CCIU schools, programs, and buildings effective Monday, February 28 with two exceptions. Head Start programs are federally controlled and still require masking for students, staff, and visitors. Pre-K Counts programs are State controlled and still require masking for students, staff, and visitors.
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The CDC no longer mandates masks on school district buses and vehicles.
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The CCIU fully supports any student or staff member who chooses to wear a mask or not to wear a mask.
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If you believe your child may have a condition that requires a specific medical accommodation, please contact your school nurse, building principal or program supervisor.
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The CCIU Health and Safety Plan that was posted last Thursday will be updated and re-posted on our website to reflect the CDC’s new guidance.
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This updated plan will be presented at our next regularly scheduled CCIU Board of Directors meeting.
Ongoing COVID-19 Mitigation Protocols Remain in Effect
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Families should continue to conduct symptom screening at home. If your child has symptoms of COVID-19, keep your child home from school and contact your healthcare provider. Contact the student attendance office.
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Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 are still required to isolate for 5 days and wear a mask for 10 days. If your child is symptom-free they may return to school on Day 6 and must wear a mask through Day 10 per the Chester County Health Department.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as we adapt to these new changes.