On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance regarding COVID-19 Community Prevention. Based on the updated metrics and categories contained in this update, as of Friday, February 25, 2022, Allegheny County is considered in the “Low” COVID-19 Community Level. Starting Tuesday, March 1, masks will be optional for anyone at Quaker Valley School District and no longer required. Furthermore, according to the latest update, the CDC no longer requires the wearing of masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems.
The CDC is now providing Community Levels (by county) based on the latest data by their updated metrics. There are only three levels in the updated guidance (Low, Medium, or High). They are determined by hospital bed availability, hospital admissions with COVID-19, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in the area.
District leaders will use Monday, February 28, to allow families and staff members time to prepare appropriately for this change in the school environment. Parents and guardians who wish to ask for accommodations for health reasons should contact their school nurse. Those who may want to discuss accommodations for learning (such as an online option) should contact their student’s school counselor.
At this time, other forms of layered mitigation, including six feet of distance in the cafeteria, will remain in place while the administration adapts health and safety protocols to all aspects of this updated guidance. We will continue to communicate with our staff and our families as we make progress.
Due to the foresight of the Quaker Valley School Board, the District’s Health and Safety Plan allows the administration to be responsive to the latest recommendations from the CDC without requiring a special School Board meeting. Because of this, the District can pivot its mitigation strategies to align with updated expert guidance.
We will continue to provide updates on these new changes throughout the next few weeks, including the impacts during school lunches, hosting volunteers/visitors, and after-school events and activities.