COVID-19 Protocols

Implementation Detail on Key Protocols

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Face coverings

• Telra encourages teachers to use outdoor time to provide students with frequent mask breaks and to enable mask-free time each day. We will use opportunities during recess, lunch, PE, and outdoor learning (as lesson plans and weather permit) to maximize “face” time. 

• In circumstances where face coverings are required, individuals should follow the mask specification guidance provided by the CDC. i.e., a 2+ ply fabric worn over the nose and mouth.

• Face coverings are required on school buses by CDC Order.

• Students with a bona fide medical or behavioral condition that prevents proper mask usage can be exempted from wearing a face covering. Securing an exemption requires the completion of a Telra Face Covering Exemption form, signed by a medical authority, and reviewed and approved by the School Administration Team.

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Physical distancing

• Telra classrooms are configured such that grades K-1 will typically have ~3 ft of spacing while grades 2-3 will have 5-6 ft of spacing.

• However, children do move around and this distancing cannot be guaranteed at all times, which is why we employ multiple layers of protection

• Students will be assigned seats in classrooms to minimize exposure to nearby classmates

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Ventilation

• All Telra classrooms are outfitted with HEPA air purifiers capable of 5-6 air changes per hour.

• Teachers are instructed to crack windows and doors to increase ventilation, but they have the discretion to close them if it interferes with a comfortable classroom environment

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Sanitization and hand washing

• High-touch surfaces are cleaned and disinfected regularly.

• Proper and frequent hand washing will be modeled and encouraged.

• Water fountains remain, for the time being, closed. We ask all students to pack enough water for the day, including extra if they participate in an afterschool program.

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Stay at home if you are sick

• Students or staff should not come to (and will not be allowed on) campus when they are sick or showing symptoms of being sick. Students or staff who present symptoms consistent with COVID, including congestion, fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea, will be required to leave school until they meet the return to school criteria defined in the NC Strong Schools toolkit:

  • Option 1:  A negative test for COVID-19 or an alternative diagnosis and at least 24 hours since the person had a fever and felt well for at least 24 hours. (A negative antigen test may be used to satisfy this criteria if the person has a low likelihood of COVID-19 infection, e.g., no known or suspected exposure, fully vaccinated, or recent COVID-19 infection.)

  • Option 2:  5 days since the first day of symptoms and at least 24 hours since the person had a fever and other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving

• Telra will require all staff and families to complete an attestation that they understand the symptoms of COVID-19 and that they must inform the School Administration Team if the staff member or student has exhibited these symptoms, tested positive for COVID-19, or been in proximate contact with anyone who has tested positive for or had symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 5 days.

• School staff will check student temperatures with a quick forehead scan upon arrival by car or bus. We will monitor this operation and make adjustments if necessary.

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Quarantine and return to school​

• Positive individuals:  If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they will be required to quarantine away from school. The return to school protocol will be determined based on the StrongSchoolsNC toolkit (or other updated health guidance). Currently, this protocol requires all of the following

  • At least 5 days from the start of your symptoms (or the date of test if you don't have symptoms)

  • and - It has been 24 hours since your fever is completely gone (without using medicine)

  • and - Your symptoms are improving.

• Exposed individuals

  • In general, an asymptomatic "close contact" of someone who has COVID-19 is required to quarantine for 5 days from the date of last exposure, if no symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring. If the day of last exposure is "Day 0", this means 5 days at home and a return to school on Day 6.

  • However, there are several exemptions that can eliminate the quarantine requirement

    • Vaccine exemption - Individuals with up-to-date vaccinations are exempted from quarantine in the event they are exposed to COVID-19. ("Up-to-date", for those over 18, requires having a booster.)

    • Face covering exemption - Individuals who were wearing masks are exempted from quarantine if a student or staff member tests positive who was also properly masked during what would otherwise be considered a close contact in a school setting.

      • For this reason, it is imperative that all students wear face coverings consistently and properly. COVID-19 cases are inevitable, and we want to minimize the number of children impacted by any quarantines.

    • Prior infection exemption - Individuals who were confirmed to have had (and recovered from) COVID-19​ in the last 90 days are exempted from quarantine in the event they are exposed to COVID-19.

    • Test-to-Stay exemption - Individuals who are participating in the Test to Stay program are exempt from quarantine in the event they are exposed to COVID-19

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Close contact​

• Close contact is typically defined as within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes cumulatively over a 24-hour period

• In a school environment, children are not considered close contacts if they are properly masked

• The guidance does not distinguish between indoor and outdoor for these purposes. Individuals in close proximity for extended times, even outdoors, can be considered close contacts.

• A few common outside-of-school situations are presumptively close contacts:

  • Living in the same house

  • Ridesharing in the same vehicle

  • Playdates without masks