Adapting Our Environment
GPA has enlisted a UCLA Epidemiologist to regularly visit and develop ongoing procedures to ensure the safety of students, staff, and teachers. The doctor suggested that we keep our front and back doors open to create an outdoor-like environment. Our doors are always open (even when hot), and we have installed screens to protect students from insects. By September 1, we will also have an outside, covered space where students can work. In addition, the doctor, in accordance with the CDC, has created the following action plan for GPA:
Symptom Screening
List of Symptoms
The CDC recommends that students and parents take responsibility for symptom screening. If a student shows any symptoms, we ask they attend class via ZOOM. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of reported symptoms – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
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This list does not include all possible symptoms and children and youth with SARS-CoV-2 infection may experience any, all, or none of these symptoms. (See Symptoms of Coronavirus for more information). Given the wide range of symptoms and the fact that some people with SARS-CoV-2 infection (the virus that causes COVID-19) are asymptomatic, there are limitations to symptom screening conducted by schools for the identification of COVID-19.
Guidance on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings
We ensure that students and staff are aware of the correct use of cloth face coverings, including wearing cloth face coverings over the nose and mouth and securely around the face.
We ensure that students, teachers, and staff are aware that they should wash or sanitize their hands (using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol) before putting on a cloth face covering.
Guidance on Cleaning and Disinfecting
We have developed a schedule for increased, routine cleaning, and disinfection. We have modified our standard procedures to accommodate more frequent cleaning and disinfection. We focus cleaning and disinfection on frequently touched objects (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, classroom sink handles, countertops) and shared items between uses.
Soiled Surfaces and Objects
We immediately clean surfaces and objects that are visibly soiled. We use soap (or detergent) and water to clean surfaces or objects that look dirty. Visibly dirty surfaces should be cleaned prior to disinfection. If surfaces or objects are soiled with body fluids or blood, we use gloves and other standard precautions to avoid coming into contact with the fluid. We remove the spill, and then clean and disinfect the surface.
Frequently Touched Surfaces
Coronaviruses on surfaces and objects naturally die within hours to days. Warmer temperatures and exposure to sunlight will reduce the time the virus survives on surfaces and objects. Our open doors mitigate this threat.
We clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g., door handles, sink handles, drinking fountains) as much as possible. This may include adding additional areas or surfaces to standard procedures for disinfection.
Shared Objects
We limit the use of shared objects when possible, or clean and disinfect between use.
We ensure adequate supplies to minimize sharing of high touch materials to the extent possible (e.g., assigning each student their own art supplies, equipment) or limit use of supplies and equipment to one group of students at a time and clean and disinfect between use.
We ensure that students, teachers, and staff are aware that they should not touch their cloth face coverings while wearing them and, if they do, they should wash their hands before and after with soap and water or sanitize hands (using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol).
