New DESE COVID Response Protocols

November 30, 2020

Dear Families and Faculty,

We hope that you and your families enjoyed a very nice Thanksgiving holiday and long weekend. Today we have three health-related updates.

  • Revised DESE/DPH COVID-19 Protocol Guidance: DESE/DPH recently updated their COVID-19 protocol guidance pertaining to clearance criteria for individuals who are identified as “close contacts” to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Previously a “close contact” was advised to be tested but was required to remain home to self-quarantine for at least 14 days from the last date of exposure to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 even if the close contact tests negative for COVID-19 during the quarantine period. The updated guidance now allows for an additional clearance option, and the full revised protocol document is attached to this email. To summarize, “close contacts” may now be permitted to reduce the self-quarantine period from at least 14 days to at least 10 days from the last date of exposure to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 provided that all of the following criteria are satisfied.(1) They have not had, and do not have, any symptoms;
    (2) They are tested at day 8 or later using a molecular diagnostic test (polymerase chain reaction “PCR” test) to detect the presence of the virus;
    (3) They receive a negative test result; and
    (4) They monitor themselves for symptoms for the full 14 days. If they develop symptoms, they should contact their health care provider and be re-tested.
  • Reminder to Continue to Notify our School Nurse Regarding any Illness, COVID-19 Cases, or Exposures: Even during our remote instruction periods, we ask that you please continue to notify our school nurse regarding any illness, COVID-19 confirmed cases, or potential exposures to COVID-19. Lyn may be reached at: lross@advancingmilestones.com.
  • Updated Travel Order Excludes Vermont as a Lower-Risk State: Over the weekend Vermont was removed from Massachusetts’ travel order exemption list, and therefore, Hawaii is presently the only state that is classified as a lower-risk state. Families and faculty may stay abreast of our state’s travel order requirements at the following website:
    https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order

Downloadable file:

Thank you for your ongoing attention and support regarding current health and safety practices.

Sincerely,
Kim