Fremont Public Schools, Archbishop Bergan Catholic School and Trinity Lutheran School announced changes to their COVID-19 protocols Thursday which will take effect next week.
The changes are in response to the updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The Districts continue to work closely with the Three Rivers Public Health Department (3Rivers) and are in communication daily with Terra Uhing, executive director of 3 Rivers.
The outlined changes which are slated to begin Jan. 3 immediately following the winter break are as follows:
Social distancing
- Breakfast / Lunch: Implement protocols to achieve social distance
- Classroom spacing: Classrooms will be arranged in a fashion that allows for maximum spacing between desks/tables with desks all facing the same direction when possible.
- Activities: Gymnasiums and the High School Auditorium: Fans and spectators are encouraged to sit with individuals they typically socialize with – maintaining appropriate social distancing.
- Transportation: Buses will be disinfected at the conclusion of routes.
PPE and Cleaning
- The District and contracted cleaning services will increase the intensity of cleaning services and continue the daily use of electrostatic charged spraying equipment.
- Hand sanitizer will be readily available and its use is strongly encouraged.
Field Trips
- Field trips will be limited and approved after careful consideration by district administration – advanced protocols will be followed based on the requirements in place at the final destination.
Outside visitors
- Outside visitors during the school day will be limited to those with an educational purpose.
Vaccine Clinics
- The Districts will continue to work with Three Rivers Public Health on providing opportunities for staff and students (with parent permission).
Temperature Monitoring (FPS only)
- Temperatures will not be taken upon arrival at the beginning of the school day and for entry/access to all FPS facilities including for extracurricular activities. Should COVID-19 or Influenza numbers escalate the district may re-implement daily temperature checks for entry to facilities.
Quarantine/Isolation
- If You Test Positive for COVID-19 (Isolate)
○ Everyone, regardless of vaccination status:
■ Stay home for 5 days. ■ If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
■ Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
■ If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.
- If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)
○ If you: Have been boosted OR completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months OR completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months:
■ Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
■ Test on day 5, if possible.
■ If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home.
○ If you: Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted OR completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted OR are unvaccinated
■ Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days. ■ If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
■ Test on day 5 if possible.
■ If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home.
“Our parochial and public school partnership allows us to continue using consistent protocols across the Fremont community,” Bergan Principal Dan Koenig said. “We have many families and students that we share in common with FPS and Trinity, it makes sense that we have very similar protocols in place.”
Shepard said if circumstances change and there is an increase in COVID-19 or influenza cases, the district will return to advanced protocol.
