Canton Public Schools Nursing Team Shares Guidance Ahead Of Thanksgiving

Press release from Canton Public Schools:

November 18, 2020

Dear Canton Families and Staff,

"The Canton Public Schools Nursing Team would like to wish you all a happy Thanksgiving! We are writing today to provide some state and local guidance around staying safe during the holiday season.

As you may be aware, on November 2, 2020, MA Governor Baker issued a new order reducing size limits for gatherings at private residences: indoor gatherings at private residences are limited to 10 people and outdoor gatherings at private residences are limited to 25 people. The limit on gatherings held in public spaces and at event venues remains the same. We ask that you consider this new order when making your holiday plans.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health offers public health guidance for families to consider in order to have a safe holiday celebration. Please click on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Thanksgiving during COVID to learn more about low- and high-risk celebrations and activities to avoid.

If you plan to travel out of state for Thanksgiving, we want to remind you of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Travel Order which went into effect on 8/1/2020. The Travel Order states that if you visit a “high-risk” state and return to Massachusetts, you are required to quarantine for 14 days unless you provide proof of a negative COVID test. Much more information on this order, including a list of low-risk / high-risk states and testing, can be found here: Travel Order Information.

• If you travel to a low-risk state, you do not need to quarantine upon return.
• If you travel to a high-risk state, you must quarantine for 14 days unless you provide proof of a negative test result for COVID-19 from a test (see below for specific tests) administered on a sample taken no longer than 72 hours before you arrive in Massachusetts. You may also test once you return to Massachusetts and should remain in quarantine until results are known. A negative test result will lift your quarantine status.

Acceptable tests are limited to the following:

• A negative result from an FDA EUA-approved molecular (PCR) SARS-CoV2 test
• A negative result from an antigen test must be confirmed by a negative result from an FDA EUA-approved molecular (PCR) SARS-CoV2 test
• Results of antibody (serology) tests are not accepted for this exemption

On Monday morning, November 30, and all days moving forward, please be sure to complete the daily self screener before entering the school buildings.

• Staff Self Screener
• Student Self Screener

Thank you for doing your part in keeping us all healthy and safe. We hope you enjoy your time with family and friends over Thanksgiving!"

Lauren Pushard Interim Nurse Leader, Canton Public Schools

This press release was produced by Canton Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.