Criteria for Decision-making
The SoWashCo Schools criteria for COVID-19 decision-making defines when increased health strategies will be put in place (including face coverings in our high schools).
We continue to be hopeful and look forward to when we can lift some of our health and safety measures. Before that can happen, we evaluate several factors including:
- Washington County vaccination rates
- Student vaccination rates
- Washington County transmission rates
- Positive cases reported in our schools (view the district dashboard)
- Student absences due to illness
- Discussions with Washington County public health officials to determine what they're seeing in the community
Revised Nov. 16, 2021
Criteria |
Elementary Schools Health and Safety Adjustments |
Middle and High Schools Health and Safety Adjustments |
---|---|---|
If there are three new confirmed COVID-19 cases in a classroom, activity or athletics team within a 7-day period and if the transmission appears to be from within the school.* |
Classroom (minimum of 10 days)
|
Adjustments for middle and high schools begin at four new confirmed cases within 7-days. |
If there are four new confirmed COVID-19 cases in a classroom, activity or athletics team within a 7-day period and if the transmission appears to be from within the school.* |
Classroom/Activity/Athletics (minimum of 10 days)
|
|
If 2% percent of the total student population of a school tests positive for COVID-19 within a 7-day period.* OR If 5% percent of the total student population of a school is absent with COVID or Flu-like symptoms on any one day.* |
Schoolwide (minimum of 20 days)
|
Schoolwide (minimum of 20 days)
|
If 10% percent of the total student population of a school tests positive for COVID-19 within a 7-day period.* |
Schoolwide (minimum of 20 days)
|
|
Staff Considerations (Schools) South Washington County Schools will move to distance learning if a staff shortage makes a school unable to operate (teachers, facilities, nutrition services, etc.). This will be in place until staffing levels can be restored at the school. |
*This is considered an outbreak by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and must be reported to the state.