COVID-Times - WHPS Weekly Update

Press release from the Woodland Hills Private School:

December 18, 2020

WHPS families:

The pandemic situation is as hopeful as it’s been all year and as grim as it’s been all year at the same time. Vaccines are clearly on the horizon, but the pandemic is surging, and we need to continue to work together to keep the school community safe. Thanks in advance for reviewing and complying with all guidance below.

CRITICALLY IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Until further notice, do NOT travel outside the region (regardless of transport method or accommodations) or gather indoors or outdoors with anyone who does not live in your home.

These weekly emails supersede any previous guidance.

We are always available to help you through any COVID-19 questions you may have.

The safety of our community and our integrity and credibility are not negotiable.

If you gather, travel, or have a playdate, even outside, you can only return to school after quarantining 14 days from the last exposure. (Resource: Safer at Home Order).

All families signed an agreement for the 2020-2021 school year to comply with all local, county, state, and CDC orders, recommendations, and guidance/guidelines in an effort to protect their Class Family Groups and the WHPS Community.

If a family is found to not be following the current guidance/guidelines/restrictions, it will result in immediate quarantine/suspension, or termination.

Weekly Update: 12/3/2020

LA COUNTY COVID METRICS

We remain in the most restrictive Tier 1 (widespread)

New COVID-19 cases per day per 100K: 40.3 (up from 31.9 last week)

7,854 total cases (12/2)

747 health care worker cases (12/2) - 71% increase

Adjusted case rate per 100K: 20.2 (up from 16.0 last week)

Positivity rate: 7.0% (up from 6.6% last week)

Equity rate: N/A

Hospitalizations: 3,433 (up 86% since the beginning of November

CDC QUARANTINE GUIDANCE

CDC released alternative guidance of 7-10 day quarantine.

According to CDC: “CDC continues to endorse quarantine for 14 days and recognizes that any quarantine shorter than 14 days balances reduced burden against a small possibility of spreading the virus.”

The new guidance is meant to lessen stress on the public health system, especially when trying to get healthcare and other essential workers back to work when new infections are rapidly rising.

DPH advised schools to continue to follow 14 day quarantine at this time.

SCHOOL REMINDERS

IMMEDIATELY REPORT TO WHPS

FEVER ◌ DIARRHEA ◌ NEW COUGH ◌ VOMITING ◌ COVID INFECTION or EXPOSURE

DON’T WAIT - CALL OR EMAIL SCHOOL SAME DAY - IMMEDIATELY

(we track all symptoms, date of onset, date of exposure, test dates, etc.)

Child with COVID-like symptoms either needs a COVID test or an alternative diagnosis from the doctor.

We contact trace, determine next steps, send appropriate notice(s) and information.

Also report runny nose, and keep children home. If a child’s nose is running, they cannot safely wear their mask (runny nose with NO other symptoms does not require COVID test).

TK & K APPLICATIONS - DUE DECEMBER 4

TK and Kindergarten early applications due December 4 (accepted as late as Monday, December 7)

Over 4-times typical number of applications, waitlist is starting MUCH earlier

Admission Page (Application Forms)

Thank you for your continued support.

Seth Pozzi

Head of School

This press release was produced by the Woodland Hills Private School. The views expressed are the author's own.