Increased COVID Spread in Sacramento County

While Sacramento County remains in the low community rating per the CDC, the county is experiencing an increase in positive cases, reflected in our school site testing results and positive case rates (SCUSD COVID Dashboard).  Covid is still here and newly evolving variants are increasingly infectious.  People are getting it multiple times and we are seeing clusters of cases impacting schools.

To stop the spread of Covid and keep our staff and students in school, our schools are reinforcing all COVID mitigation protocols including health screening, strongly advising face masking, maximizing ventilation, COVID testing (surveillance/symptomatic and recommending testing 3-5 days after exposure), hand hygiene and physical distancing as much as possible.  While we have more tools and resources for managing the pandemic, such as vaccine/boosters, treatments for Covid, and increased immunity, when we see cases increase we must remain vigilant.

While the masking mandate has shifted to a recommendation, face masking is strongly recommended, especially when gathering groups during the school day. We are encouraging physical distancing as much as possible.  Hosting activities and events outdoors is strongly encouraged and advised.

Return to Health Plan updates effective 5/9/22 to the Large Gatherings: Indoor Extracurricular Event section

The revised guidance takes into account the broad range of extracurricular activities occurring at a broad range of school sites – as well as evolving variants with increased infectiousness.  Revisions for indoor events require all participants to either wear a face mask for the entire event  OR provide proof of a negative COVID test (regardless of vaccination status) with face masking optional based on personal risk.  Below are the revisions as written into the Return to Health plan.

• Indoor events require one of two options for the entire event, including all other basic COVID mitigation measures:

  • Face masking for all at entry

OR

o Negative COVID test for all participants within 48 hours of the event (face masking optional based on personal risk tolerance). 

– Taking a rapid antigen test as close to the event as possible is preferable. 

– To remove as many barriers as possible for participation, At-Home COVID test kits will be provided to all participants (including guests) to support pre-event testing. Event planners will bring additional test kits to the event as a backup precaution.

– Testing is also provided at each school site and three district locations. 

– School sites may verify negative test results with a Primary Health screenshot, picture or written self-attestation (CDPH OTC Guidance).

• School sites  hosting indoor extracurricular events have access to additional At-Home Test kits.
• Outdoor events are the easiest events to host as outdoors provides the best ventilation possible and lowest risk for gathering large groups. Sites are strongly encouraged to host all events outdoors whenever possible.  Outdoor events require basic COVID mitigation measures – with no masking, vaccine or testing verification.
• The revised guidance was developed using the California Department of Public Health: Safe and SMART Events Playbook