COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN

Updated 8.1.22 (DSJ Website – COVID-19 Safety Plan)

The Diocese of San José Catholic elementary schools are in full alignment with the CDPH Guidance for Schools that went into effect on July 1, 2022.  “This guidance is intended to support safe, in-person learning in K-12 schools and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Disease management strategies in K–12 schools are guided by the principle that safe, in-person learning is critical to student well-being and development” (CDPH).

CDPH and Santa Clara County continue to strongly recommend that individuals in school settings mask in indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status.  Whether or not a student wears a mask, however, is a family decision and school faculty and staff are committed to ensuring continued inclusive and respectful learning environments regardless of that choice. 

Please see below for additional information and guidance regarding the Diocese of San José Elementary Schools’ policies and procedures for COVID safety. 

Testing 

While regular screening testing continues to be recommended, COVID testing will only be required if/when a student/staff member/volunteer develops symptoms or is identified as a close contact. 

Exposure and Tracing

The Diocese of San José Catholic elementary schools follow the CDPH’s guidelines for group tracing if/when there is an exposure on campus. This means:

  1. Schools will notify students who spent more than a cumulative total of 15 minutes in a shared indoor airspace with someone with Covid using a “general exposure” notice.
  2. Exposed students, regardless of COVID vaccination status or prior infection, should get tested for COVID with at least one diagnostic test obtained within 3-5 days after last exposure.  
  3. Exposed students should mask for at least 10 days after their exposure.
  4. Exposed students who follow the guidelines listed above may continue to take part in all aspects of K-12 schooling, including sports and extracurricular activities, unless they develop symptoms.  

Isolation 

If a student tests positive for Covid, they will receive a “positive case” letter and be asked to follow the guidelines within.

Athletics/Extracurricular Activities

Athletes, coaches, co-curricular participants, spectators, and referees will be expected to follow the same school guidelines for students and staff, which are outlined in the Athletic Guidelines and Guidelines for Extracurricular Activities and Events.

Preschool, Pre-K, and Childcare

All on-site preschools, pre-k programs, and childcare programs will follow the same guidelines as grades K-12 per the Santa Clara County recommendation.

Visitors

Visitors are permitted to come to campus following School Guidelines for Visitors and school safety protocols. Each school will communicate the parameters and procedures for visitors, volunteers, and student pick up/drop off.  

Mass

Students, faculty and staff, as well as community members and parishioners are welcome to worship together following the School Mass Guidelines.