COVID Update, Jan 13, 2022

Dear Parents, 


As you know, the community spread of COVID-19 increases. Our County is experiencing a COVID caseload that is three times what it was at this time last year. Mountain View is not an exception. In the last seven days, we had 136 new COVID positive cases in MVWSD (see the Dashboard here). I anticipate that the number will grow as this week progresses.  
Still, our schools are safe places to teach and learn.  With universal masking, weekly on-campus testing (more than 96% of students participating), high-standards ventilation and isolating symptomatic individuals– schools are one of the most controlled environments possible.  


Change in close contact notification procedures

Due to the volume of cases and our focus on follow-up testing for positive pools, and with mitigation measures in place, we have reached a point in which we must streamline our close contact notifications. For every positive case, especially at the middle schools, we have been sending hundreds of close contact letters. The result is increased anxiety for our community and a backlog of notifications.


Close contact notifications will no longer be emailed to families, in most instances. For your safety during this virus surge, we should proceed as if each of us is a close contact to a positive COVID case daily. On-campus pools that test positive will be rapid tested as usual, and we will immediately contact you if your child tests positive for COVID during on-campus testing. These notification changes align our protocols with MVLA, LASD and other area schools for the purpose of making COVID protocols efficient and consistent in our community. 


Please follow these safety guidelines:

* Test. In addition to having your child participate in on-campus testing, please consider scheduling regular PCR tests or taking weekly at-home rapid antigen tests (depending on availability). Click here for more.
* Upgrade your mask. Outside of school, wear masks in all indoor settings when you’re with others outside of your household. Cloth masks alone do not provide adequate protection.  Click here for more. * Monitor for symptoms. Anyone in your household should stay home if they’re sick and get tested immediately. Click here for more.
*
Get vaccinated and boosted. While cases are up, hospitalizations and deaths are much lower than last year. The vaccine is safe and effective. I strongly encourage anyone 12 years or older to get three doses. Click here for more.

We’ll be updating you soon about the adjustments in our procedures in alignment with changing guidance from the county and state, including the newly recommended 5-day isolation guideline for all students and staff.
Thank you for your continued vigilance about COVID safety and for your support of our schools during this challenging time. We will get through this together. 


Respectfully, 

Dr. Ayindé Rudolph

Superintendent


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