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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)

  • Face coverings may be required

  • Breakfast and lunch in the classroom

  • Students stay in the classroom for specialist classes

  • Separate recess

  • Reminders about proper masking

  • Limited movement throughout the school and/or in group work

  • Structured arrival and dismissal of students

  • Provide as much social distancing as possible

  • Parents will be asked to pick up students with two or more COVID-like symptoms 

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)

  • Limit group work and movement throughout classrooms

  • Provide as much social distancing as possible

  • Create seating charts in the classroom

  • Contact tracing 

  • Recommendations to quarantine and wearing of face coverings (if not already required) for individuals determined to be in close contact with someone who tested positive

  • Parents will be asked to pick up students with two or more COVID-like symptoms

  • Possible suspension of athletics/activities for affected groups

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)

  • Face coverings required

  • Breakfast and lunch in the classroom

  • Students stay in the classroom for specialist classes

  • Separate recess

  • Reminders about proper masking

  • Limited movement throughout the school and/or in group work

  • Structured arrival and dismissal of students

  • Provide as much social distancing as possible

  • Parents will be asked to pick up students with two or more COVID-like symptoms 

Schoolwide (minimum of 20 days)

  • Face coverings required

  • Limit group work and movement throughout classrooms and the school

  • Provide as much social distancing as possible

  • Create seating charts in classrooms and the cafeteria

  • Contact tracing 

  • Possible suspension of athletics/activities for affected groups

  • Parents will be asked to pick up students with two or more COVID-like symptoms 

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)

  • Distance learning for all students

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.