COVID-19 Update: Contact Tracing and Athletics

Contact Tracing Like school districts nationwide, we are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases. To provide more timely notification of positive cases we will be updating our contact tracing processes. Consistent Mask Wearing When there is a positive COVID-19 case in a classroom with consistent mask wearing among all students within that classroom, we will no longer send close contact communications. Instead, all families in that classroom will be notified of a positive case via email. All students in that classroom will be asked to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if symptoms develop or if they test positive for COVID-19. Inconsistent Mask Wearing When there is a positive COVID-19 case in a school setting where there is not consistent mask wearing (such as athletics), we will continue with contact tracing and send close contact notifications to those families with further instructions. We are hopeful that this change to our processes will allow us to provide you with more timely communications, while also focusing efforts on positive cases to better maintain healthy schools and work environments. We continue to implement COVID-19 mitigation practices in our schools, such as indoor mask requirement, enhanced ventilation systems, cleaning and disinfecting, and test kits. Athletics Update The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently updated guidance on mega events. School athletics events are considered mega events. Under the updated guidance, indoor events with more than 500 persons, or outdoor events with more than 5,000 persons, are required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours to enter. Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) will limit all indoor events to 500 persons; therefore no proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test will be required for spectators. Masks will continue to be required. Additionally, due to the increase in positive cases some athletic competitions, events or other school events may need to be rescheduled or postponed. Schools will inform the school community regarding any changes, as necessary. We are doing our part to keep our communities healthy, and appreciate your understanding and support as we diligently work to keep our schools healthy, and our students learning in person.
Source: CDM High School New