CUSD Health and Safety Information 2023-2024

Welcome back to the 2023-2024 school year! Keeping our students and staff healthy and safe is a top priority.  The Carlsbad Unified School District (CUSD) will continue to follow the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Guidance for K-12 Schools and Child Care Settings to Mitigate the Spread of Communicable Diseases, 2023-2024 School Year 

MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Indoor Air Quality

CUSD uses filtered air combining recirculated and fresh air supply, wherever possible the fresh air supply is maximized at all times.  All filtered ventilation systems use a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 13 or higher efficiency filters. For interior areas with high occupant counts, minimal cross-ventilation or unconfirmed air change rates, CUSD places portable High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration units as an additional clean-air measure.

Face Coverings

All students, staff, and visitors are encouraged, but not required, to wear a mask while indoors at all CUSD sites. Masks are available for students upon request. Individual choice regarding masks is honored and protected by all students and staff.

Testing

Testing remains a key mitigation layer to detect and curb transmission of COVID-19 in schools.  Due to the increased travel and social interactions during school-breaks, CDPH recommends students and staff get tested for COVID-19 prior to returning to school following major breaks (e.g., summer, winter, spring).

At-Home COVID-19 testing kits for students are available from all CUSD school health offices upon request. 

Hygiene

Hand sanitizer continues to be available in all classrooms and work areas. Staff members will continue to promote safe hygiene practices with students, including proper handwashing; avoiding contact with one’s eyes, nose, and mouth; and covering coughs and sneezes appropriately.

Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations

California strongly recommends all eligible individuals get vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up-to-date to protect oneself and reduce transmission of the virus.  Additionally, students should stay up-to-date on vaccinations required for entry into K-12 schools.  

Students with Symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported, ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.  Symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea. 

Students with symptoms may return to school with a negative COVID test as long as symptoms are improving and they are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications. Students who do not test may return on Day 11 from the onset of symptoms. Families should inform the school immediately if their student tests positive for COVID-19. 

All types of tests are acceptable (antigen, PCR, NAAT). However, if a person with symptoms receives a negative result from an antigen test, it is recommended they remain in isolation pending the outcome of a confirmatory test (any type) taken at least 12 hours after the first test. At-home test kits are available from the school’s health office upon request.

Students with an underlying chronic condition may return to campus as long as the school has documentation from the student’s healthcare provider indicating the symptoms are typical of their underlying chronic condition (e.g., allergies or asthma). Students may also return to schools if a healthcare provider has confirmed an alternative named diagnosis (e.g., Streptococcal pharyngitis, Coxsackie virus) as long as symptoms are improving and the student has been fever free for 24 hours.

Students Testing Positive for COVID-19

Students who test positive for COVID-19 must stay home for at least 5 days from the first day of symptoms or positive test result. They may return to school on day 6 if all of the following criteria are met:

• They have a negative COVID test (antigen, PCR, or NAAT); AND

• Symptoms are improving; AND

• They have been fever free without fever reducing medication for 24 hours.

It is strongly recommended for students to wear a mask indoors at school on days 6-10.

Students who do not test may return on or after Day 11 from onset of symptoms/positive test if symptoms have improved and they have been free of fever without fever reducing medications for 24 hours. 

All types of tests are acceptable (antigen, PCR, NAAT). However, if a person with symptoms receives a negative result from an antigen test, it is recommended they remain in isolation pending the outcome of a confirmatory test (any type) taken at least 12 hours after the first test. At-home test kits are available from the school’s health office upon request. Families should inform the school immediately if their student tests positive for COVID-19.

Students Who are Close Contacts

Students who have been potentially exposed to an individual infected with COVID-19 may remain at school unless they develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. They should be tested on Day 3, 4, or 5 following the exposure, regardless of vaccination status, or sooner if they develop symptoms. All types of tests are acceptable (antigen, PCR, NAAT). CDPH also recommends for students to wear a mask indoors through day 10 after exposure.

If a student develops symptoms of COVID-19 or tests positive for COVID-19, parents must notify the school’s health office immediately. 

Cleaning of Facilities

CDPH indicates  routine cleaning is enough to sufficiently remove the virus that causes COVID-19 from surfaces. School custodial staff follow current recommendations with regards to cleaning protocols.  

San Diego County Case Rate Dashboard

Refer to the San Diego County COVID Dashboard for information on current case rates.