We have learned from our medical advisory committee that if everyone is wearing a face covering in the building, coming in contact with an individual who tests positive is considered low risk, and we can remain open. Two people wearing masks decreases transmission of virus by more than 95 percent. If we received notice of a positive case and we were not wearing face coverings, all individuals who came in contact with that person would be required to quarantine for 14 days. 

The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings for the following reasons:

• A cloth mask can help individuals cover a cough or sneeze; reducing the spread of germs.
• Some people with COVID-19 have mild to no symptoms, and may be spreading the virus unknowingly. Cloth masks could help cut down how far the virus spreads. I protect you, you protect me.
• Cloth masks can prevent you from touching your face, and can be a visual reminder to practice social distancing.

Students in pre-K to 1st grade will need cloth face masks for part of their day. After much research and speaking with the medical advisory committee, we are still exploring face shield options that will also provide the needed protection for faculty/staff and students. We still plan to order shields for occasional use, such as for oral language development; however, these students will still need a cloth face covering. 

With the exception of pre-K to 1st grade, the Academy will not provide face coverings. Students should bring their own disposable or cloth mask daily. With the county mandating masks over the summer, most individuals likely already own them, and may have a preference on the type of mask he or she wears.

According to health professionals, there is no danger in wearing a mask all day. Doctors and nurses wear them daily, many for the duration of a 12-hour shift. Students will have the opportunity to remove their masks when they are socially distanced outdoors.

Your child may wear a disposable mask or a cloth mask. The CDC suggests that surgical and N95 masks should be reserved for medical professionals. While the Academy will not require a uniform mask, they all must be an acceptable design, without words, that is not considered distracting, scary or offensive. 

All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:

• Be made with at least two layers of breathable material
• Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the user to remain hands-free

Students may not wear masks with a respirator/valve or neck gaiters.

The Academy will provide each student a lanyard for the student may clip his/her mask. If the student loses the lanyard, he/she may bring one from home.

It is not necessary to change a mask unless it becomes excessively wet, either through sweat or a spill.

The Academy is researching options for individuals who are hearing impaired, including a face shield or a cloth face covering with a clear insert around the mouth. 

The Academy is considering the use of a face shield as opposed to a face mask for students/staff for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition. Under no exception will a student or staff member be allowed to forgo all face-covering options. Students who cannot wear any face covering may opt for virtual learning.

We anticipate requiring a face covering for the duration of the 2020-2021 academic year.

As a community, we have to keep each other accountable. It will be the responsibility of all faculty and staff to ensure face coverings are being worn in all required locations, including classrooms, break-out rooms, learning commons, lobbies and lounge areas, the theatre, and dining facilities. When eating, students should cover their faces until they sit down to eat and then put the mask back on immediately after. Masks are required when moving through shared spaces, and the elevator will be restricted to two users at a time.

At this time, there is no evidence that someone who has been infected with COVID cannot be infected again.

Masks may be removed to eat or drink and when students are outside at a safe distance.

The Academy has a limited supply of disposable masks that we will distribute to students who forget their face covering.

According to the CDC, individuals SHOULD:

• Wash their hands before putting on a face covering.
• Put it over the nose and mouth and secure it under the chin.
• Try to fit it snugly against the sides of the face.
• Make sure they can breathe easily.

When removing the mask:

• Untie the strings behind the head or stretch the ear loops.
• Handle the mask only by the ear loops or ties.
• Fold outside corners together.
• Place covering in the washing machine or trash.
• Be careful not to touch the eyes, nose, and mouth when removing, and wash hands immediately after removing.

Individuals SHOULD NOT:

• Put the covering around their necks or up on their foreheads.
• Touch the face covering, and, if they do, wash their hands.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-coverings.html