Face Cover Face Coverings
In School Guidelines – Face Coverings Face Coverings and PPE Cloth face coverings protect others if the wearer is infected with SARS CoV-2 and is not aware. Cloth masks may offer some level of protection for the wearer. Evidence continues to mount on the importance of universal face coverings in interrupting the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Although ideal, universal face covering use is not always possible in the school setting for many reasons. Some students, or staff, may be unable to safely wear a cloth face covering because of certain medical conditions (e.g., developmental, respiratory, tactile aversion, or other conditions) or may be uncomfortable, making the consistent use of cloth face coverings throughout the day challenging. For individuals who have difficulty with wearing a cloth face covering and it is not medically contraindicated to wear a face covering, behavior techniques and social skills stories (see resource section) can be used to assist in adapting to wearing a face covering. When developing policy regarding the use of cloth face coverings by students or school staff, school districts and health advisors should consider whether the use of cloth face coverings is developmentally appropriate and feasible and whether the policy can be instituted safely. If not developmentally feasible, which may be the case for younger students, and cannot be done safely (e.g., the face covering makes wearers touch their face more than they otherwise would), schools may choose to not require their use when physical distancing measures can be effectively implemented. School staff and older students (middle or high school) may be able to wear cloth face coverings safely and consistently and should be encouraged to do so. Children under 2 years and anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance should not wear cloth face coverings. BPS Reopening Schools 2020 - 2021 2
Guidelines – Face Coverings For the safety of everyone on the bus, it is required that all bus riders wear a face covering while on the bus When social distancing* cannot Students who are sent to the clinic and exhibiting symptoms will be be adhered to, it is required that provided a mask to wear while awaiting parent pick up students and staff wear a face covering. The student dress code The face covering requirement can be met with a face shield, a disposable applies to face coverings and only mask, cloth mask, or a neck wrap that is designed to function as a face the nose and mouth should be covering covered, not the full face Disposable face masks are available at each school for students, staff, and approved visitors who may require one These guidelines extend to all personnel that travel between sites and to *Social distancing all BPS facilities. is defined as 6 feet These guidelines may change depending on BPS Reopening Schools 2020 - 2021 local, state, or federal recommendations 3
Guidelines – Face Covering Exceptions • A face covering will not be required in the following instances or circumstances: • Social distancing maintained - Under any circumstance where social distancing practices (six feet of separation) can be utilized and maintained consistently - students who need a break from their face covering, may do so with teacher permission provided social distancing can be maintained • Students in Pre-K through grade 2 - It is strongly recommended that students in these grade levels wear a face covering but is not required • While eating breakfast or lunch or while drinking water– No face covering required while eating or drinking • During physical education – When social distancing guidelines are in place • During band or chorus –When social distancing guidelines are in place to often include beyond 6 feet as appropriate for the level of risk • Medical, emotional, physical or psychological concerns – This requires documentation by a licensed physician or psychologist that wearing a mask is not appropriate for the specific individual - documentation should be submitted to the school clinic staff for students and to the principal for school staff • Students in self-contained ESE classrooms - additional recommendations are presented in the Guidelines for Self-Contained ESE Classrooms BPS Reopening Schools 2020 - 2021 4
Guidelines – Students or Staff Without a Face Covering Students Staff • • All students will be offered a mask All staff will be offered a mask • • If a student reports a medical condition, they If a staff member reports a medical condition, will be referred to the clinic to verify exception their exemption will be discretely verified with or get information on the process the school secretary. All staff members will be provided with the information regarding • If it is determined to be non-compliance the ADA process for possible • It will be handled as a Level 1 infraction exemption. Medical documentation will be • Parent contact is required required • If student behavior escalates as a result • of the intervention the infraction may Any concerns regarding the guidelines will be result in a higher-level corrective strategy referred for review to the Human Resources division • With persistent non-compliance, a parent conference is required and the student may be referred to eLearning. BPS Reopening Schools 2020 - 2021 5
Recommend
More recommend
