March 7 Covid Protocols Update
Masking - parents/guardians may decide whether their child(ren) should wear a mask while in school and on school buses. Staff will make their own decision about masking. Masks will continue to be allowed if anyone wishes to wear them during school, on the bus, or at school events.
Entry screening - temperatures will no longer be taken upon arrival. We will still use different entry doors at each school to avoid too many students grouping together across cohorts. Sanitizing of hands will be offered to those who wish to use it.
Maintain social distancing - as much as possible, we will continue to socially distance within the school setting. With the elimination of universal masking, the definition of Close Contact will return to “within 6ft for 15 minutes or more within a 24 hour period.” The 3 ft previous rule only applies if everyone wore a mask consistently and without exception, which is no longer the case with the removal of universal masking.
Masking after Isolation (POSITIVE CASE OR SYMPTOMATIC AWAITING TEST) - Staff/students may return to school after 5 days if fever-free and symptoms have improved, but masks must be worn on Days 6-10. If a parent does not want their child to return with a mask, then the student must remain on remote until Day 11 when they can return if asymptomatic.
Contact Tracing (CLOSE CONTACT) - Identified school-based close contacts will be notified of potential exposure to a positive case. Staff/students will not be excluded from school, but parents and staff should monitor themselves or their child for symptoms. The only exception to this will be household close contacts (siblings) who live with a positive case. Household close contact will be handled on a case-by-case basis and may be asked to quarantine for Days 0-5. If quarantined, the household close contact may return to school and wear a mask on Days 6-10 or provide a negative test result obtained on Day 5 to return on Day 6 with masks optional.
What tests are acceptable? - PCR tests are still the preferred method. Rapid antigen tests and home tests will be accepted. If a home test is used, the parent must email or provide written confirmation of the date and outcome of the test results.
*At any point, these guidelines are subject to change,especially if the CALI score increases again. Parent cooperation will continue to be essential. If your child is feeling unwell, please do not send him/her to school.
NJDOH Covid Recommendations for Schools - Feb 23, 2022
Reopening Plans and Associated Guidance Documents
Virtual Plan for Remote Learning 2021-22 - January version Posted 1/5/22
Margate Reopening Plan - September version Updated 10/1/21
