Hybrid / In-PERSON Learning

The CDC ranks social activities on a continuum; the risk of COVID-19 spreading at events and gatherings increases as follows:

• Lowest risk: Virtual-only activities, events, and gatherings.

• Moderate risk: Smaller outdoor and in-person gatherings in which individuals from different households remain spaced at least 6 feet apart, wear masks, do not share objects, and come from the same local area (e.g., community, town, city, or county).

• Higher risk: Small or Medium-sized indoor gatherings where ventilation is poor, or large outdoor gatherings that make it difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and with attendees coming from outside the local area.

• Highest risk: Large indoor gatherings under crowded conditions where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area. Prolonged contact with others and sharing of objects increases the risk of transmission, where people with underlying health conditions are at the greatest risk.

We recognize that social interaction is critical to our emotional wellbeing. We recommend students and families follow these guidelines for safer socializing during the pandemic:

• Wear a mask when around anyone outside of your household. Wearing a mask protects others in case you are infected and can reduce your chance of getting ill.

• Stay 6 feet apart (or more) from anyone who does not live in your home, even when you are wearing a mask.

• Space chairs or lawn blankets at an appropriate distance so you don’t accidentally gravitate toward others during conversation.

• Bring your own food and drinks whenever you socialize.

• Minimize the number of contacts. You are less likely to get infected and less likely to infect others.

• Avoid close contact with people outside of your household. “Close Contact” is defined as being within 6 feet of someone for 15 minutes or more. The 15 minutes does not have to be consecutive minutes, it can be cumulative within one day. Avoid taking your mask off when you are in close proximity to people.

• Avoid any large gatherings, doing so reduces your chances of interacting with an infected person.

• Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching anything that may have been touched by someone else, before eating or drinking, and before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available nearby.

• Avoid alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drugs can cause you to drop your guard and can put you at risk.

PUSD is committed to following all guidance for face coverings as outlined in the ACPHD/Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) Guidance for Reopening Schools (dated January 28, 2021). Face coverings keep people from spreading the infection to others, by trapping respiratory droplets before they can travel through the air. All individuals, including staff and students of all ages, must wear face coverings over both their nose and mouth while at school/on campus and while in public places or with anyone who does not live in their household.

Mask Standards

• Wear your mask correctly. Be sure your mask covers your nose and mouth at all times and that there is a good seal around all the edges of the face covering.

• Masks sometimes slide off your nose, so don’t be upset if someone points out that your mask has drifted down.

• No gaiter style coverings, which have been shown to be less effective.

• Masks may not have exhalation valves or vents as per the county Health Officer Order.

• Masks should have a minimum of two layers of fabric.

• Reusable masks should be washed after each use.

  • Here are CDC guidelines for washing your mask.

• Anyone with a mask that does not fit well or is deemed insufficient will be given a disposable or reusable mask along with a take-home note asking for a better mask.

• All masks should be clearly labeled with students’ name.

• All students are expected to bring a back-up mask that is clearly labeled and stored in a plastic zip bag in their backpacks for use in case their mask becomes soiled or damaged.

• Watch a video about proper mask usage here.

Face Shields

• Face shields will not be used in place of masks, as face shields have not been shown to keep the wearer from infecting others.

• Face shields do provide additional protection for the wearer and all those working directly with children will be offered them.