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Health Services Update 5/17/21

Posted on: May 17, 2021 - 3:59pm
Hanover Health

As you may have heard already, Governor Baker and DESE issued updates to the COVID-19 guidance in response to what is now known about the outdoor and surface transmission of the virus.  COVID-19 cases are declining state-wide, and vaccines are having a positive impact and are readily available.  Our HPS Health protocols will be updated to reflect these changes beginning tomorrow, May 18, 2021.

DESE Guidance Updates

According to the MDPH, and the CDC, given the low rate of outdoor transmission of COVID-19:

  • Students no longer have to wear masks when outdoors, even if distance cannot be maintained.
  • This guidance update applies to recess, physical education, youth sports*, and outdoor learning environments.
  • *Guidelines for youth sports should follow the individual league rules, including MIAA (please see below).
  • Adults must continue to wear masks outdoors if distancing cannot be maintained.
  • Adults and students must continue to wear masks indoors.

According to the MDPH, and the CDC, given the low likelihood of surface transmission of COVID-19:

  • Schools no longer have to avoid sharing objects including classroom materials, items for physical education, or art supplies.
  • Shared objects are no longer required to be cleaned or disinfected between uses.

Gatherings/Events

  • DESE has issued a number of guidance documents about school events and gatherings. These end-of-year events will be addressed on a case-by-case basis under the direction of our local board of health using the most up-to-date guidance from the state.

MIAA Athletics

  • The sports medicine committee of MIAA is scheduled to meet tomorrow at 4:00 PM and may issue updated guidance, but as of now participants and spectators must continue to follow the existing COVID-19 Spring modification rules.

General Information

  • Individuals in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 will continue to have to be quarantined unless exempt due to being fully vaccinated or recent, confirmed COVID-19 infection (within the past 90 days).
  • If community spread becomes elevated again, protocols may need to be re-evaluated.
  • Please refer to the linked FAQ from DESE for additional updates and information.

These are some of the biggest changes we’ve seen as we recover from the pandemic. We have relied on the guidance of doctors, scientists, and public health officials throughout the pandemic, and we continue to place confidence in these experts as we recover. There may be ups and downs over the next several months, and this challenging time certainly isn’t over, but today’s announcement was a very big step forward. There will likely be changes and updates over the coming weeks, so please stay tuned for additional information. Thank you for your patience and continued support. 

Please reach out to me or your school nurse if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Patricia Smith, BSN, RN, NCSN
Director of Health Services
781-878-5450 ext. 7405
psmith@hanoverschools.org