For those that may have missed it, this is the 3 Layered Mitigation Plan adopted this past week by the Vandalia School District—
The Vandalia Community Unit School District #203 has implemented a layered COVID-19 mitigation strategy beginning in August of 2020 and will continue during the 2021-22 school year.
Layered mitigation strategies are as follows:
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The vaccine is widely available in Vandalia for ages 12 and above and the single most important prevention strategy.
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75-80% of staff vaccinated, 25% recovered from COVID-19 during the ’20-’21 school year.
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Staff and students must stay home when that are sick with COVID-19 like symptoms or illness.
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COVID-19 positive cases must quarantine per FCHD/IDPH/CDC.
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Handwashing and respiratory etiquette.
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Cleaning and maintaining health facilities.
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Updated HVAC and bipolar ionization units installed in cafeterias and gymnasiums.
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Diagnostic testing for staff and students with parental consent.
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Appropriate accommodations for children with disabilities with respect to health and safety policies.
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Physical distancing of 3 feet to 6 feet when possible.
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Correct wearing of masks.
Consistent with the CDC July 9th, 2021 Guidance, the Superintendent is directed by the Vandalia CUSD #203 Board of Education to implement a layered mitigation system based on levels of risks of COVID-19 spread inside our buildings as the primary indicator with community transmission as a consideration.
Level 1-Minimal Transmission
Level 1 status is defined as low transmission rates, low positivity rates, and limited risk of COVID-19
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Layered mitigation strategies using 1 through 9 of the above list implemented with fidelity.
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Distancing will consist of educational best practices.
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Masking option with the recommendation for all per CDC
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Metrics Threshold: Less than 5% internal positivity rate. Possible consideration: less than 8% positivity rate within the community for two consecutive weeks.
Level 2-Moderate Transmission
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Level 2 status defined as moderate transmission and positivity rates are increasing internally or in the community.
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Layered mitigation strategies using 1 through 9 of the above list implemented with fidelity
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Distancing will consist of increase physical distancing at lunch and the hallways.
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Mandated and/or targeted use of situation masking:
–Students in grades PreK through 6th grade who are not eligible for the vaccine.
–Specifically impacted grade levels or buildings within the district.
–Recommendation for all per CDC
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Metrics Threshold: 5% internal positivity rate or a confirmed outbreak of 5 or more cases linked. Possible consideration: 8% positivity rate within the community for two consecutive weeks.
Level 3-Substantial Transmission
Level 3 status is defined as an increase in significant positive cases internally or in the community.
Layered mitigation strategies using 1 through 9 of the above list with fidelity.
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Increase physical distancing in all spaces to the greatest extent possible.
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Masks mandate for all.
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Metrics Threshold: 8% internal positivity rate. Possible consideration: 15% positivity rate within the community for two consecutive weeks.
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