Private: Westfield Day School DOH Reopening Plan

Face mask
November 22, 2021 Covid-19 by admin

PURPOSE

The Westfield Day School is an independent school located in Armonk, New York, that operates with the consent of the Commissioner as a grade 7-12 school for students with learning disabilities. The school building has been closed since March 12, 2020 due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This plan has been developed to help guide the reopening of the School, and keep students, faculty, staff, parents, and visitors safe through policies that follow the requirements or recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (DOH), and the guidance provided by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools.html

I. PEOPLE

A. Physical Distancing

The school, to the best of its ability, will ensure all persons in school maintain a social distance of at least six feet from others, with some specific exceptions (see below). Social distancing is the practice of keeping space between yourself and others. To practice social distancing, the CDC recommends staying at least 6 feet apart from other people outside of your household.

The School will implement the following protocols:

  • Space desks at least 6 feet apart in classrooms
  • Turn desks to face in the same direction (rather than facing each other) or have students sit on only one side of tables, spaced apart
  • Face coverings are required at all times
  • Limit gathering in small spaces (e.g., elevators, supply rooms, faculty offices) by more than one individual at a time

B. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Face coverings/masks may reduce transmission by asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. Acceptable face coverings include, but are not limited to, cloth face masks, surgical masks, and face shields that extend below the chin. Face shields alone are not an acceptable face covering for purposes of this policy.

GATHERINGS

Gatherings: The School will limit gatherings, events, and extracurricular activities to those that can maintain social distancing, adequate ventilation, and any applicable health guidelines. Virtual activities and events are preferred.

MOVEMENT and COMMERCE

The School has established student access restrictions for drop off and pick up. Students will remain in their classroom all day unless moving to the restrooms or lunch.

II. PLACES

A. Protective Equipment & Disinfection

The School will ensure adequate stock of PPE including masks, face shields, gloves, disinfectant, hand sanitizer, no-touch trash cans, and paper towels. PPE will be available at all entrances and common areas. Cleaning and disinfection protocols have been established according to CDC guidance.

III. PROCESSES

SCREENING

The School has implemented mandatory daily health screening for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Screening includes a temperature check (with no-touch thermometers) and a questionnaire about COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposure.

TESTING

Any individual showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be directed to seek diagnostic testing. The School will assist families in identifying testing sites and resources.

CONTACT TRACING

The School will cooperate with local health departments for contact tracing purposes in the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case. Documentation will be maintained to assist with contact tracing if needed.

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