Face Coverings Required in all SoWashCo Buildings Beginning Jan. 12

Within the last seven days, we have seen an increase in the number of staff and students testing positive for COVID-19. All secondary schools are now implementing increased health and safety measures to help keep students in school. 

Starting on Wednesday, Jan. 12, we will be taking additional steps districtwide, until at least Feb. 1, to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms including:

• Required face coverings for all students, staff and visitors in all SoWashCo buildings.
  • Face coverings may be temporarily removed to eat or drink, but care should be taken to maintain as much space as possible between people.
  • Face coverings may be temporarily removed when communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing or has a disability, medical condition or mental health condition that makes communication with a face covering difficult, provided social distancing is maintained.
  • Face coverings may be removed while in your own workspace when other staff or students are not present.

Athletics and Activities Updates

• Student-athletes, coaches and officials are required to wear face coverings when not actively participating in the contest. This includes wearing a mask on benches, in locker rooms and during team meetings.  
  • Student-athletes do not need to wear a face covering when actively competing in a practice or game.
  • Exceptions can be made for when student-athletes are wearing helmets, face cages or competing or practicing outdoors.
• Spectators are required to bring and wear a face covering over their nose and mouth while inside district buildings. 
• Students, coaches and spectators are strongly recommended to wear a face covering when attending events at non-district venues. 
• School-sponsored events and activities, including dances, will follow masking guidelines.

The decision to move to a higher level of mitigation is based on our Criteria for Decision Making. These next three to four weeks will present significant challenges and we remain committed to keeping students learning in person as much as possible.

Thank you for your assistance.