Dear Metro Families and Faculty,
We want to take a moment to provide a brief update to our protocol, as well as to say thank you for partnering with us, for entrusting your children to us, for continuing to believe in our community (and, in our school), and for praying for us.
Recently, we received:
- Helpfully clarifying questions from several Metro parents.
- Pertinent updates from the CDC.
In light of the aforementioned, we write today with a few brief clarifications:
As we come to campus in face coverings, the following reminders. Students and employees will wear face coverings to school and have one with them at all times. While face coverings are not required to be worn in physically distanced spaces, per CDC guidelines they should be worn when 6 feet of physical distancing is not possible. Face coverings will also be worn in common spaces, large groups, and during transitions. Students will be
permitted
to wear them at all times. Face coverings will not be required while students are at recess, eating lunch, etc. Face coverings are required for faculty, staff, and coaches except when 6 feet of physical distancing can be maintained.
Additionally, in regards to Metro's sick protocol:
- If a sick student or employee has no known COVID-19 exposure and a negative COVID-19 test, they can return to school once there is no fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines, and they have felt well for at least 72 hours. If there is another known cause of illness (e.g. flu, strep, etc.), please follow the return guidelines instructed by your physician. If there is another known cause of symptoms (e.g. seasonal allergies, migraines, etc.), please notify the school nurse.
- If a student or employee has a known COVID-19 exposure (i.e. within 6 feet and for 15 sustained minutes), s/he ought to quarantine for 14 days. If they desire to be tested, they will need to get tested on day 5-7, following exposure. Even if a student or employee tests negative, they must finish the 14-day quarantine.
- In order for a student or employee who tested positive for COVID-19 to be allowed to return to campus, they must be able to answer yes to all of the following questions:
- Has it been at least 10 days since the individual first had symptoms or significant exposure?
- Has it been at least 24 hours since the individual had a fever (without fever-reducing medicine)?
- Has it been at least 3 days since the individual’s symptoms have improved including cough and/or shortness of breath?
We are committed to providing the opportunity for our students to experience on-campus learning in a safe environment for the entire school year. By working together as a community, we can reduce the impact of COVID-19. So, thank you in advance for your continued partnership and prayers.
Looking forward to moving forward,
Metro Christian Academy
Administrative Team
