Health & Safety
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The safety of our students and employees is our overriding priority. As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, we are closely following the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities. In order to prevent the spread of the virus and reduce the potential risk of exposure to our workforce and students, we are requiring all staff and students to conduct symptom checking prior to entering the school site. Those who develop symptoms during the school day will be immediately isolated and sent home. Staff and Students are directed not to come to school if they answer yes to any of the following symptom checks:
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The plan for reopening of BUSD schools is driven by safety practices based on the most up to date guidance from health experts. A key component of these practices includes physical distancing. Staff and students will maintain 6 feet of physical distance in all settings whenever practicable. To meet this goal, the following measures are being taken:
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All individuals, including staff and students, must wear face coverings that cover the mouth and nose consistent with public health guidance. Staff is required to use gloves for administering first aid and for food service. The use of gloves for other activities is not recommended. Some learning environments may require additional PPE due to specific conditions. This safety gear will be provided as determined necessary. The district currently has more than a month of PPE equipment in stock. This includes masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, gowns (for specific situations). We have both 3-ply surgical masks and N-95 masks for anyone working with a student who is medically exempt from wearing a mask and nursing/office staff working with sick students. |
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Students will be instructed on proper hand-washing techniques, mask wearing, managing coughs and sneezes, and avoiding face touching. Signs and infographics regarding preventative measures will be placed throughout school buildings in areas of high visibility. Hand-washing and hand sanitizing time will be built into the schedule during transitions:
Hand sanitizing stations will be placed in high traffic areas across the campus. Preventative supplies (hand soap, sanitizer, general-purpose cleaner) will be provided in each classroom and throughout the campus. |
Campus Visitors
Our Preschool facility is the only exception to above. Common Areas
Limiting Large Group Gatherings
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Confirmed Case In the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case among our staff or students, BUSD administration will work with the Contra Costa Health Services public information officer to coordinate communication as appropriate for the specific circumstances. At a minimum, the affected stable group will be notified. Symptom Development
Returning to Work or School Students or staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 may return to school or work in accordance to CCHS Guidance. BUSD COVID-19 Dashboard All individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and who have come onto district campuses with close contact of other students or staff will be reported on the BUSD COVID-19 Dashboard. |
Cleaning Procedures BUSD will follow a cleaning schedule that will allow each learning space to be cleaned each and every day. In addition to scheduled cleaning in each classroom, custodial staff will clean high touch surfaces several times a day throughout the campus. Indoor air quality is essential to providing a safe and comfortable environment for schools and offices. BUSD is ensuring proper preventive maintenance is performed on all HVAC units and is changing filters on a regular basis and providing adequate air filters. The Center for Disease Control recommends increasing air filtration as high as possible (target MERV 13) without diminishing air flow and enforcing the existing or revised indoor air quality plan. The District has replaced all air filtration systems with MERV 13 air filters and is replacing them quarterly. We are contracting with an outside mechanical engineer to check HVAC systems. Classroom teachers are encouraged to leave doors and windows open and to utilize designated outdoor learning spaces as often as possible to reduce the amount of time indoors as weather permits. |