COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN - RISK AND SAFETY SERVICES DEPARTMENT UPDATED
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COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN
RISK AND SAFETY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
UPDATED 11-22-21
Risk and Safety Services
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Updated 11/22/21 COVID19 Safety Plan
Risk and Safety Services
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Updated 11/22/21 COVID19 Safety Plan
Risk and Safety Services
LWSD COVID19 Safety Plan Introduction
Purpose:
In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic, the Lake Washington School District has
developed a COVID19 Safety Plan.
This Safety Plan relies on common understanding of a “layered approach” to reduce exposure and
transmission of the COVID19 virus. Simply put, people will be safer, and our district will be stronger
when multiple layers separate them from the virus.
The purpose of this COVID19 Safety Plan is to identify and communicate the Lake Washington
School District’s plan for protecting the health of all employees, students and visitors to our school
campuses and support facilities. This plan is effective immediately in response to guidance and
regulations put in place by the Department of Labor and Industries, WA State Department of Health
and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The plan contained herein provides structure and support for each facility/school to assemble a
small team of staff that can address the requirements that are needed to return to work and school.
All administrators, managers and supervisors are required to be familiar with this Safety Plan and
support the implementation of the plan in their facilities and departments.
Safety Plan Structure:
The 2021-22 COVID19 Safety Plan is built to mirror the Washington State Department of Health (WA
DOH) guidance for schools, K-12 COVID19 Requirements for Summer 2021 and the 2021-2022
School Year. In each section of the district’s plan, you will see the WA DOH guidance as it is written.
Following that, there will be a short summary of the district’s implementation plan with key things
you should know about that section and procedures or processes to support, as well as links to more
detailed information you may need. Additionally, there will be contact information for the
department and/or individuals that are responsible for providing support.
The COVID19 Safety Plan continues to use the Incident Command Structure to organize and
distribute responsibilities outlined in the plan. Each facility is responsible to identify by name their
COVID19 Safety Team and turn those names into the Risk and Safety Services Department.
Revisions/Updates:
The responsibility of routine revisions/updates to the COVID19 Safety Plan rests with Department
Directors assigned to each section. These sections will be updated as guidance or systems change.
Sections are assigned as follows:
• COVID19 Safety Plan – General Scott Emry, Director of Risk and Safety
Oversight Services
• Vaccination Verification – Staff
• Face Coverings
• Physical Distancing
• Vaccination Verification – Students Dr. Shannon Hitch, Executive Director of
• Staying Home When Sick Special Services
• Testing – Students
• Responding to Cases or Suspected
Cases of COVID19
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Updated 11/22/21 COVID19 Safety Plan
Risk and Safety Services
• Reporting Cases and Outbreaks and
Working with Public Health
• Physical Distancing – Classroom Setup Brian Buck, Executive Director of Support
• Ventilation Services
• Cleaning and Disinfecting Robert Foster, Director of Support Services
• Testing – Athletics John Appelgate, Director of Athletics and
• Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities
Activities
Application:
All parts of this COVID19 Safety Plan apply to all operations of the Lake Washington School District
and should be considered prior to planning activities or events. In order to maintain the safety and
well-being of all staff, students and visitors, it is important to review these expectations and
procedures before moving forward with any event.
COVID19 Health and Safety Workgroup:
The district’s team that is responsible for the interpretation and implementation of guidance that
comes from multiple agencies is the COVID19 Health and Safety Workgroup. This workgroup
consists of representatives from various district departments, as well as 6 principals, 3 elementary
and 3 secondary. This workgroup includes:
Scott Emry, Director, Risk and Safety Services Lori Pierce, Associate Principal, Keller Elementary
Matt Gillingham, Associate Superintendent, Bridget Ballard, Associate Principal, Muir
Student and Community Services Elementary
Shannon Hitch, Executive Director, Special Melissa Doering, Principal, Rosa Parks Elementary
Services
Cat Robinson, Emergency Manager Tim Patterson, Principal, Kamiakin Middle School
Keandra Thompson, Health Services Manager Tim Shultz, Associate Principal, Lake Washington
High School
Shelly O’Rourke, Public Health Liaison Alicia Mendez, Associate Principal, Rose Hill
Middle School
Jerred Kelly, Director, Human Resources Adonna Abakporo, Equity Department
Robert Foster, Director, Support Services Chris Brenengan, Director, Business Services
Collin Sullivan, Communications Manager John Appelgate, Director, Athletics and Activities
Matt Livingston, Director, Secondary Education Paul Vine, Director, Special Services
Sue Anne Sullivan, Director, Elementary Forest Baker, Director, Technology
Education
In additional to the Health and Safety Workgroup, the district has additional supports for the
implementation of the COVID10 Safey Plan. These supports include:
• Emergency Operations Center (ECC) – This team is responsible for support to positive case
response and symptomatic case management.
• After Action Review (AAR) – This team reviews district positive cases and provides detailed
evaluation and feedback of the COVID19 Safety Plan to the COVID19 Health and Safety
Workgroup.
• Building COVID19 Safety Team – There is a COVID19 Safety Team in each building in the district
and these teams are responsible for the implementation of the safety plan at the building level.
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Updated 11/22/21 COVID19 Safety Plan
Risk and Safety Services
LWSD COVID19 Health and Safety Workgroup Organizational Chart
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Department of Health – Overview of Prevention Measures
DOH Guidance – 8/10/21
Overview of Prevention Measures
For the 2021-2022 school year, schools must plan to provide full time in-person education for all
interested students with the following required mitigation measures: universal face
coverings/masks*, physical distancing**, improving ventilation, handwashing and respiratory
etiquette, cleaning and disinfecting, staying home when sick and seeking evaluation, testing as
indicated, contact tracing in combination with quarantine and isolation, responding to cases of
COVID-19, and meeting the reporting requirements to public health.
*In this document, universal masking means that face coverings are required to be worn by all
individuals, regardless of vaccination status.
**Physical distancing should not prevent a school from offering full-time, in-person learning to all
students/families in the fall.
While vaccination is not a requirement for in-person education at K-12 schools, it is the strongest
protective measure against COVID-19 available to individuals 12 years of age and older. Testing
strategies, while also not generally required other than as identified below, are also an effective
mitigation tool. Vaccination and testing should be promoted for all eligible students, teachers, staff,
volunteers, and families.
All prevention strategies provide a level of protection. “Layered” prevention strategies remain
essential to protect students and school employees who are not fully vaccinated, especially when
community transmission rates are moderate-to-high, as defined by CDC’s matrix (Table 1). It is
important to note that vaccinations are not yet authorized for use in children 11 years of age and
younger. For these reasons, schools must continue to implement a layered strategy as outlined in
this document.
Schools need to maintain flexibility in how these layers are applied. Most layers, including universal
masking, are required at this time. If schools choose to remove a recommended added layer of
prevention such as screening testing of students or staff, they should do so one layer at a time while
factoring in considerations such as community transmission rates, local outbreaks, and vaccination
rates. Coordination with local public health will ensure this is done in the way to best ensure the
safety of students, employees, families, and the community.
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Department of Health – Vaccination
DOH Guidance – 10/27/21
Vaccination
Vaccination is the most effective prevention strategy available for allowing schools to maintain full-
time in-person instruction. All employees in educational settings must be fully vaccinated or have a
medical or religious exemption by October 18 per Governor’s proclamation 21-14.1.
COVID-19 vaccines are available to all people age 12 and older and are expected to be available to
children age 5-11 in late fall/early winter. Schools should promote vaccinations for eligible students,
teachers, staff, and families. See the CDC’s guidance on how schools can promote vaccinations.
Fully Vaccinated
You are considered fully vaccinated:
• Two weeks after you have received the second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or
Moderna)
or
• Two weeks after you have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson/Janssen)
Vaccination Verification
Schools should begin verifying student and staff vaccinations. Fully vaccinated students and staff
who do not have symptoms do not have to quarantine when exposed to COVID-19 and may not
require COVID-19 testing as indicated below. Further, while universal masking is required of all
students and staff now, there is the possibility in the future that fully vaccinated people may no
longer be required to wear masks indoors.
• Acceptable documentation for verifying the vaccination status of students, volunteers and visitors
includes at least one of the following:
o CDC vaccination card which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided,
and date(s) administered, or a photo of the vaccination card.
o Documentation of vaccination from a health care provider with the information listed
above.
o State immunization information system record with the information listed above.
o Other school immunization record system that provides the information above.
• Parent/guardian or personal attestation is not an acceptable form of verification for K—12
students, nor for volunteers or visitors.
• Schools may use their existing systems for verification of vaccines required for school entry to
verify COVID-19 vaccination or establish a new system that meets the requirements above.
• Soon, schools utilizing the Washington Immunization Information System (WA IIS) School Module
will be able to run a student COVID-19 report for vaccination status. The report will show students
who are due now for COVID vaccination.
• Schools should ensure vaccine verification policies and protocols do not conflict with local, state,
federal and territorial laws, policies, and regulations.
• Schools must verify the vaccination status of staff and faculty as required by L&I.
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LWSD COVID19 Implementation Plan for Vaccination
To comply with Washington State Department of Health, the Lake Washington School
District has developed processes and procedures related to vaccinations;
• Staff: By order of the Governor, all school district staff must show proof of being
fully vaccinated or have an approved exemption.
• Volunteers: By order of the Governor, all school district volunteers must show proof
of being fully vaccinate in order to volunteer in schools.
• Contractors: By order of the Governor, all school district contractors must show
proof of being fully vaccinated in order to provide services to the district.
• Students: Students are not required to prove vaccination status in order to attend
school, but in the event a positive case is identified in a school, vaccination status
influences the close contact and quarantine determination. School nurses utilize
the state system to verify vaccination status for students when needed.
The district has, and will continue to support vaccination efforts for our entire community.
In addition to hosting vaccination clinics for students, every effort is made to communicate
other vaccination clinics on the Eastside, and the Seattle metro area.
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Updated 11/22/21 COVID19 Safety PlanRisk and Safety Services
Department of Health – Face Coverings/Masks
DOH Guidance – 9/27/21
Face Coverings/Masks
Correct use of cloth face coverings or masks helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 and is
required when indoors at K-12 facilities for all school personnel, students, and visitors. There are
specific exceptions based on age, development, or disability outlined below. See DOH’s Guidance on
Cloth Face Coverings and CDC Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings for more
information. In some circumstances, staff may require a higher level of protection. Refer to L&I’s
Coronavirus Facial Covering and Mask Requirements for additional details.
The CDC’s order requiring masks on public transportation, regardless of vaccination status,
applies to school buses and transportation. Passengers and drivers are required to wear a
mask on school buses.
General Information
A cloth face covering is anything that completely covers the mouth and nose and fits securely on the
sides of the face and under the chin. It should be made of two or more layers of tightly woven fabric
with ties or straps that go around a person’s head or behind their ears. A face shield with a drape
can be used by people with developmental, behavioral, or medical conditions that prevent them from
wearing a face covering. A face shield with a drape may also be used by children with similar
conditions in childcare, day camp, and K-12 settings.
Face coverings or masks with ear loops are preferred over ones that tie around the neck or
behind the head during physical activity to reduce the risk of injury. Schools must provide face
coverings or masks, as appropriate, for staff and students who do not have them.
• As noted in the Secretary of Health’s Mask Order, face coverings should not be worn
by:
o Those under 2 years of age.
o People with a medical condition, mental health condition, developmental or
cognitive condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering. This
includes, but is not limited to, people with a medical condition for whom wearing a
face covering could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or
otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance.
o Those who are deaf or hard of hearing, and those who provide their instruction and
use facial and mouth movements as part of communication.
• In rare circumstances when a cloth face covering cannot be worn, students and staff may
use a clear face covering. If used, face shields should extend below the chin, wrap around to
the ears, and have no gap at the forehead. Younger students age 2 to 4 years old must be
supervised when wearing a covering or face shield. These students may need help with their
masks and getting
used to wearing them.
• Continue practicing physical distancing while wearing cloth face coverings.
• Students may remove face coverings to eat and drink, and when they are outside.
• The school is responsible for providing appropriate PPE for all staff, including those who
provide assistance to students who have special needs.
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Indoor Mask Requirements
All school personnel, volunteers, visitors, and students must wear cloth face coverings, or an
acceptable alternative (e.g., surgical mask or clear face shield with a drape), at school when
indoors in accordance with the Secretary of Health’s Mask Order. Staff who are verified to be fully
vaccinated may be indoors without masks when students are not present or expected to be present.
School districts must support compliance with mask requirements among staff, students,
volunteers, visitors, and families.
Outdoor Mask Requirements
Per the Secretary of Health’s Mask Order, face coverings are not required outdoors,
regardless of vaccination status, except at events and gatherings where 500 or more people are
present. Masks are strongly recommended for unvaccinated individuals when outdoors in crowded
spaces or when in close contact with people from outside their household for a sustained period of
time, as the risk of COVID-19 infection increases with the duration and closeness of contact between
individuals. Schools should support students and staff who choose to wear a mask or face covering
outdoors.
Medical and Disability Accommodations to Face Covering Requirements
For any individual claiming a disability-related exemption to the face covering requirements, schools
must follow the process and requirements for providing disability-related reasonable
accommodations under federal and state law. Schools must, to the extent permitted by law, before
providing a disability-related reasonable accommodation, obtain from the individual requesting the
accommodation, or the individual’s legal guardian, documentation from an appropriate health care
or rehabilitation professional stating that the individual has a disability that necessitates an
accommodation to the face covering requirements and the probable duration of the need for the
accommodation.
Assessing whether an individual has a disability, i.e., a sensory, mental, or physical impairment that
prevents them from wearing a required face covering and necessitates an accommodation and
assessing for how long an accommodation is required are medical determinations that must be
made by a health care or rehabilitation professional who is qualified and legally authorized to make
such determinations. Medical documentation from a health care or rehabilitation professional whose
scope of practice does not include making such determinations, does not provide a valid basis for
providing an accommodation. Self and parental attestations do not constitute valid medical
determinations.
Medical documentation submitted in support of a disability-related reasonable accommodation must
include the individual’s full legal name, the health care provider’s name and license number, the
reason for the accommodation, and affirmation that the provider has advised the parent/legal
guardian of the risks and benefits of mask wearing, including increased risk for exposure to and
spreading of COVID-19 and that the accommodated individual would not meet the CDC exception to
the definition of a close contact in a classroom if they are not wearing a mask or appropriate
alternative. Schools must retain all accommodation documentation and make it available upon
request of the local health officer or any other lawful entity.
Per the Secretary of Health’s mask order, any person exempted from wearing a face covering due to
a disability, must wear a non-restrictive alternative, such as a face shield with a drape on the bottom
edge or wrap, as long as their condition permits it.
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LWSD COVID19 Implementation Plan for Face Coverings and PPE
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The updated guidance from the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and the Washington
Department of Health (DOH) (links attached) requires that masks be worn by all teachers,
staff, and students when students are present or likely to be present. For further
clarification on when to wear a mask, please review the COVID19 Mask Requirements
document (link attached below). LWSD will be supplying all district locations with adult and
youth (when applicable) sized disposable masks.
Included in L&I’s guidance is a table outlining face covering considerations for staff in school
specific scenarios based on transmission risk. When reviewing the information please keep
in mind that the transmission risk is affected by vaccination status, ventilation, barriers, and
distancing.
There aren’t any specific rules for using other personal protection equipment such as gloves,
gowns, face shields, etc. All locations will have a supply of PPE if a staff member requests it.
When your supply of PPE runs low you should complete the PPE Order Form and email it to
warehouse@lwsd.org. It is very important that you keep track of your PPE inventory and
allow several days for delivery of the items. If you have a rush request, please note that it is
a rush request and when you need the items.
Questions or clarifications for this plan should be sent to Patty Nylin, Risk & Claims
Supervisor, at pnylin@lwsd.org.
F414-164-000 L&I Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID-19 (wa.gov)
Employer Considerations for School Scenarios (wa.gov)
COVID19 Mask Requirements
Click Here for the PPE Order Form
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COVID19 Mask Requirements
MASKS REQUIRED
STAFF
All adults required to mask when indoors at the worksite regardless of vaccination status (exceptions
noted below under “masks not required” section)
Coaches/athletic trainers/support personnel when in weight room
Coaches/athletic trainers/support personnel when not practicing or competing
All bus drivers while on school bus
STUDENTS
All students when indoors
All students when on school buses
All extracurricular activities held indoors
Spectators at performing arts performances
All athletes (including cheer/dance), when in weight room
All athletes (including cheer/dance) when not practicing or competing
ALL OTHER
All visitors and volunteers
Unvaccinated referees at all times
Vaccinated referees when talking to coaches and between quarters
Spectators at performing arts performances
All extracurricular activities held indoors
All outdoor events with attendance greater than 500 people
MASKS NOT REQUIRED
STAFF
Non-School Worksites
Vaccinated staff (attestation process completed) when alone in office - must put mask on
when approached
Vaccinated staff (attestation process completed) when working in cubicle and able to
maintain 6-feet distance – must put mask on when approached
When outdoors
While eating and drinking
School Worksites
Vaccinated staff (attestation process completed) when alone in office - must put mask on
when approached
Vaccinated staff (attestation process completed) when working in cubicle and able to
maintain 6-feet distance - must put mask on when approached
Vaccinated teachers when working alone in a classroom or planning area - must put mask on
when approached
When outdoors
While eating and drinking
STUDENTS
When outdoors
While eating and drinking
Outdoor sports for any contact level
Indoor sports athletes while competing in low/moderate contact
Fully vaccinated athletes (including cheer/dance) competing in high contact indoor sports
Unvaccinated athletes (including cheer/dance) competing in high contact indoor sports if they
participate in screening testing.
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Department of Health - Physical Distancing
DOH Guidance – 8/10/21
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing requirements should not prevent a school from offering full-time, in- person
learning to all students/families in the fall.
Maintain physical distance of three feet or more between students in classroom settings to the
degree possible and reasonable, that allows for full-time, in-person learning for all students. A
school’s ability to do so will depend on students’ ages, developmental and physical abilities, and
available space.
Select strategies to increase physical distancing that will work for your school and the space
available. There may be moments, such as passing by others in the hallway or during play at recess
when students are not fully physically distanced from each other. Maximize opportunities to
increase physical space between students during all scheduled activities and limit interactions in
large group settings.
Maximize distance between students to the degree possible for the following circumstances:
• For all students when masks cannot be worn, such as when eating lunch. Reference the
CDC’s Modifying School Spaces during Meal Times for strategies to increase distance
during meal times.
• In common areas outside of the classroom.
• During high-risk activities when increased exhalation or aerosolization occurs, such as PE or
exercise, singing or playing instruments, and cheering or shouting. These activities should
be moved outdoors or to large, well-ventilated spaces whenever possible.
For information on staff distancing recommendations, refer to L&I directives 1.70 and 11.80.
When it is not possible to maintain at least three feet of physical distance in classrooms (e.g., there
is insufficient space compared to students in need of in-person instruction), it is essential schools
layer additional prevention strategies to reduce the risk of disease transmission. This could include
requiring further improved ventilation, conducting screening testing of students and staff, etc.
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Department of Health - Ventilation
DOH Guidance – 10/27/21
Ventilation
Ventilation
Good ventilation and indoor air quality are important in reducing airborne exposure to respiratory
pathogens, chemicals, and odors. Offer more outside time, open windows often, and adjust the
HVAC system to allow the maximum amount of outside air to enter the program space and increase
air filtration. Because each building and its existing HVAC systems will be different, a professional
engineer or HVAC specialist should be consulted to determine the best way to maximize the
system’s ventilation and air filtration capabilities for each area in the building.
Basic Requirements:
• Change filters per manufacturer’s guidelines (clogged filters decrease HVAC operation, stress
the fanmotors, and decrease ability to improve indoor air quality). Visually check the filter for a
tight fit within the frame and ensure there are no rips or tears.
• Upgrade filters to MERV 13 if the system can handle the air resistance.
• Inspect and clean the entire system at least as often as recommended by the manufacturer
or installer. Make repairs quickly to prevent more serious issues.
• Reduce recirculation of air; increase/maximize outside air.
• Bring in outside air continuously from two hours prior to occupancy and for two hours after
occupancy, including while cleaning and disinfection is occurring.
• Inspect and maintain local exhaust ventilation in restrooms, kitchens, cooking areas, labs,
etc. Increase exhaust ventilation from restrooms above code minimums.
• Do not use ozone generators, electrostatic precipitators and ionizers, or negative ion air
purifiers because they can produce harmful by-products.
For more information and options related to ventilation, see DOH’s recommendations for
Ventilation and Air Quality for Reducing Transmission of COVID-19 or CDC’s guidance for improving
ventilation and increasing filtration in schools as well as the Association for Heating, Ventilating
and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guidance on ventilation during COVID-19.
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LWSD COVID19 Implementation Plan - Ventilation
LWSD Ventilation Plan 2021
To comply with Washington State Department of Health, the Lake Washington School
District has developed a detailed Ventilation Plan for all facilities. The District ventilation
plan includes the following:
• Maximize Outside Air Ventilation
o Fresh air is being maximized by setting all dampers to 100% outside air while
disabling demand-control ventilation for maximum airflow measured in CFM
(Cubic Feet per Minute) in all buildings and portables.
o When temperatures dip for an extended period and we are unable to keep
classroom temperatures at, or above, 65 degrees, we will first reduce the
CFM and then, if needed, we will re-enable damper modulation to reduce the
% of outside air in 20-25% increments with the low being at approximately
33% outside air.
o A typical classroom provides about 7 ACH (Air Changes per Hour).
o All buildings flush the air every morning and evening and we have extended
the air flush runtimes by two hours before and after occupancy.
• Maximize Air Filtration
o All existing filters are changed on regular schedule per manufacturer’s
recommendation.
o All filters have at least a MERV-10 rating.
o All equipment that can accommodate the increased size of the MERV-13 filter
have been upgraded.
In discussing filtration strategies, it is important first to note that our
primary ventilation tactic is to provide each space with 100% outside
air and maximize total airflow as much as possible.
The MERV-13 filter recommendation is largely applicable to the
recirculation of inside air when 100% outside air is not possible.
• Air Pressure
o Health rooms, main conference rooms and bathrooms directly exhaust air to
the outside and run full time while the building is occupied.
Questions or clarifications for this plan should be sent to Brian Buck, Executive Director of
Support Services, at bbuck@lwsd.org.
Click Here for the LWSD Ventilation Plan
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Department of Health – Handwashing and Respiratory Etiquette
DOH Guidance – 10/27/21
Handwashing and Respiratory Etiquette
Schools should continue to encourage frequent handwashing and good respiratory etiquette to both
prevent contracting and spreading infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
Through ongoing health education units and lessons, teach children proper handwashing and
reinforce behaviors. Support healthy hygiene behaviors by providing adequate supplies, including
soap, a way to dry hands, tissues, face masks (as feasible), and no-touch/foot-pedal trash cans.
Ensure that teachers and staff practice proper handwashing and respiratory etiquette.
• Teach and reinforce handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and increase
monitoring to ensure adherence among students, teachers, and staff. Handwashing with soap
and water is required after going to the bathroom, playing outside, petting animals, and before
preparing or eating food.
• If handwashing is not possible, hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol should be used.
The FDA is warning to not use hand sanitizer in poorly ventilated spaces, not to use near the face,
supervise children’s use, and to keep it out of children’s reach and sight. Some hand sanitizers
may be contaminated with harmful ingredients. Before you buy or use hand sanitizer, check the
FDA’s "do-not-use" list. Fragrance-free is preferred to reduce sensitivity and asthma issues.
• Encourage students and staff to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and immediately wash
their hands after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing. Remind students and staff not to
touch their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Some students with disabilities might need assistance with handwashing and respiratory
etiquette behaviors.
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Department of Health - Cleaning and Disinfecting
DOH Guidance – 8/10/21
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Schools should have infection control plans updated to reflect what is known about COVID-19.
These are basic cleaning definitions:
• Cleaning removes germs, dirt, food, body fluids, and other material.
• Sanitizing reduces germs on surfaces to safe levels.
• Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces of a clean object.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates sanitizer and disinfectant chemicals. If
you sanitize or disinfect without cleaning first, it will reduce how well these chemicals work and may
leave more germs on the surface.
Current CDC guidance for cleaning and disinfection for COVID-19 states that disinfectants should be
registered by the EPA for use against COVID-19. Refer to List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-
CoV-2 (COVID-19). The University of Washington has a handout with options for safer cleaning and
disinfecting products that work well against COVID-19. Additional information can be found at the
DOH COVID-19 website. Another resource for standard infection control and school cleaning is
available on the Toxics Use Reduction Institute website.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces each night after students leave and when someone
is sick in the room (vomit, blood, feces, urine). When disinfecting surfaces, always follow the
disinfectant instructions on the label.
Do not use ionization, fogging, fumigation, or wide-area spraying to control the spread of COVID-19.
These methods are not effective, do not clean contaminated surfaces, and are hazardous to human
health. The EPA has approved the use of electrostatic sprayers with some disinfectants. If the
electrostatic application is not listed on the label, it is not an approved application method. Surfaces
still need to be cleaned first and then the disinfectant applied to the surface for the required wet
time. Use the large droplet setting to avoid misting as much as possible. Do not use for wide-area
spraying.
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LWSD COVID19 Implementation Plan - Cleaning and Disinfecting
LWSD Cleaning and Disinfection Plan
To comply with Washington State Department of Health, the Lake Washington School
District has developed a detailed Cleaning and Disinfecting Implementation Plan for all
facilities. The LWSD Custodial Services Department is taking measures to enhance cleaning
and disinfecting protocols to align with public health guidance.
Lake Washington School District’s Custodial Services has developed the Custodial Cleaning
& Disinfecting Protocols to support escalated District levels of service should they arise in
accordance with CDC and Public Health guidelines. Custodial Services will provide support
in the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case.
1. If there has been a person or someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the
last 24 hours Custodial Services will proceed to cleaning and disinfecting per below
steps before occupying spaces the diagnosed person(s) occupied. The focus will be
on immediate areas occupied by the person(s) diagnosed with COVID-19 unless they
have already been cleaned and disinfected.
1. If more than 24 hours has passed since the person(s) diagnosed with COVID-
19 were in the space(s), cleaning is enough.
2. If more than 3 days have passed since the person(s) diagnosed with COVID-
19 were in the space(s), no additional cleaning is needed.
2. Initiate building Custodial Services to specified location for response; scheduled by
Covid Supervisor and/or Custodial Services.
3. Areas needing to be cleaned and disinfected should be cordoned off by the Signage
Coordinator with restricted access until Custodial Services completes cleaning and
disinfecting.
4. Open all windows where possible to increase air circulation.
5. Ensure all appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn to include proper
donning and doffing of PPE per infection control guidelines. This cleaning requires
disposable gloves, disposable gowns, and safety glasses or goggles when there is a
potential for splashing when spraying the disinfectant.
6. Clean and disinfect all areas used by infected person(s) such as offices, desks,
bathrooms, and common areas.
7. Vacuum all spaces with HEPA filter.
Questions or clarifications for this plan should be sent to Mariah Jones, Custodial Services
Manager, at mariahjones@lwsd.org.
Click Here for the LWSD Covid Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols
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Department of Health – Staying Home When Sick
DOH Guidance – 8/10/21
Staying Home When Sick
Staying home when sick with COVID-19 is essential to keep COVID-19 infections out of schools and
prevent spread to others. Students and school employees who have symptoms of infectious illness,
such as influenza (flu) or COVID-19, should stay home and seek medical evaluation, which may include
testing for COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. Schools that have chosen to implement testing
strategies may be able to facilitate timely diagnostic testing to limit student’s time out of in-person
instruction.
Please see the CDC’s archived reference on Screening Students for Symptoms for more information.
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Department of Health - Testing
DOH Guidance – 8/10/21
Testing
While COVID-19 testing programs can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the school
environment and the broader community. Testing for COVID-19 is an important layer of prevention.
Diagnostic Testing
Schools must ensure access to timely diagnostic testing among students with symptoms or who are
close contacts of someone with COVID-19. This can be done at the school, at a centralized site for
the district, and/or in partnership with a trusted and accessible communitybased testing provider
and local public health. Timely testing of symptomatic students and staff helps reduce days of in-
person instruction lost. Additionally, symptomatic individuals with negative COVID-19 test results may
be able to return to school earlier.
It is essential to limit potential disease transmission by ensuring prompt isolation of cases and
quarantine of close contacts through effective case investigation and contact tracing. Reduced
onward transmission can lessen the number of contacts who will need to quarantine and can
prevent the closure of classrooms or a school. Please see the following sections for more information
on the requirements for responding to and reporting cases of COVID-19 in schools.
Screening Testing Recommendations for K-12 Schools
Screening testing looks for infections even if there is no reason to suspect those individuals are
infected. Screening involves testing individuals without symptoms who do not have known or
suspected exposure to COVID-19 in order to make decisions based on the test results.
Screening programs for students/staff are not required except as indicated below for high-contact
indoor sports, but are generally recommended and can assist in identifying individuals who may be
infected and contagious. Identification can lead to decreasing transmission by ensuring prompt
isolation of cases and quarantine of close contacts through effective case investigation and contact
tracing. Please see the following sections for more information on the requirements for responding to
and reporting cases of COVID-19 in schools.
For more information, see the testing section of the DOH Supplemental Considerations for Mitigation
of COVID-19 in K-12 Schools.
Screening Testing Requirements for K-12 Athletics
To ensure safe participation in athletics, schools must institute screening testing protocols for
athletes, coaches, trainers, and other personnel who work with athletes who are not fully vaccinated
participating in high-contact indoor sports. For the full list of high-contact indoor sports, see the table
in the DOH Sports and Fitness Guidance.
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Schools may consider screening testing for unvaccinated students participating in other co-curricular
or extracurricular activities, such as those that generate aerosols, including singing and some music.
Testing Support and Technical Assistance
DOH’s Learn to Return Testing program is available to help schools meet general diagnostic testing
and high-contact sport screening testing requirements. Learn to Return can also support screening
testing for students and/or staff among schools who choose to layer this strategy. Schools or
districts who would like more information about COVID-19 testing programs should contact
schools@healthcommonsproject.org.
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LWSD COVID19 Testing Process and Procedures for Schools
Testing Process and Procedures
Diagnostic Testing
Schools must ensure access to timely diagnostic testing among students with symptoms or who are
close contacts of someone with COVID-19. This can be done at the school, at a centralized site for
the district, and/or in partnership with a trusted and accessible community-based testing provider
and local public health. Timely testing of symptomatic students and staff helps reduce days of in-
person instruction lost. Additionally, symptomatic individuals with negative COVID-19 test results may
be able to return to school earlier.
The district utilizes molecular tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (CR) tests that detect the
virus’ genetic material.
Screening programs for students/staff are not required except as indicated below for high contact
indoor sports.
For community-based testing, if somebody does not have a health care provider, many locations
have free or low-cost testing, regardless of immigration status. See the Department of Health’s
Testing FAQ or call the WA State COVID-19 Assistance Hotline.
King County Tool Kit
District Procedures and Materials
Building
• Update your test letter with a link to your building Curative link.
• Ask family if they can access testing within the community or with their provider. Provide
testing information and resources.
• If a family cannot access testing, provide them with the Test Letter that includes the phone
number they will need to call or text when they arrive at the testing center.
• Inform them that they will need to use the Curative link, in the letter, in order to schedule
their appointment, sign consent and share their insurance information (if they have it).
• Materials: access to testing website, copies of Test Letter, copies of consent forms
Testing Location
• Student or staff arrive for testing
• Look them up in the Curative program
• Enter the barcode of the test
• Gather parent consent and insurance information
• Provide test and observe testing
• Seal test materials and place in UPS box
• After testing, UPS picks up test kits or test provider takes them to UPS center for mailing
October 18, 2021
• Materials: clipboard, pen, laptop, test kits, permission forms, small table, signage, UPS
mailing box
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Testing Locations and Hours (hours are dependent upon security staffing coverage –
Curative will only allow families to schedule on dates when staff are available)
Staff Who Require Testing
Staff are required to test weekly if they have an exception for the vaccine mandate. They can access
community testing or district testing. If they have a positive COVID test, they must report the finding
to their supervisor. HR is currently working on a process to track staff participation in testing. Staff
should utilize the ORSH testing site on Wednesdays due to limited space/availability at district
testing sites.
Parent Communication
Curative Molecular Testing Information and Permission Forms (link to multiple languages) See
documents provided in addition to this guidance.
Testing FAQs for Parents and Students (sample questions below)
• Who performs the COVID-19 test
• What does a test observer do?
• Who pays for the test? Do students and staff need insurance?
• If testing is free, why is insurance billed?
Testing is free; there is no out-of-pocket cost or co-pay for schools or families. The Washington State
Department of Health covers costs for school-based diagnostic and screening tests and funding
continues through July 2022. Have insurance? Great. Your provider will be billed directly with no cost
to you. No insurance? No problem. Just provide a valid government-issued ID and you’re good to go.
If you do not provide insurance or a government I.D., you can still get tested at no charge! The
Washington Department of Health will cover the cost.
With regards to patient privacy, it’s no different than getting tested at your doctor’s office. All health
information for the participant is kept private and is protected under federal HIPAA regulations
(Health October 18, 2021 Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). The school district point of
contact will be alerted if there is a positive test result and will initiate contact tracing and outbreak
mitigation procedures.
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L2R tests are quick & painless. All tests available through Learn to Return use a shallow nasal swab
to collect samples from participating students and staff. This is not the dreaded “brain tickler” or
nasopharyngeal swab. The shallow nasal swab enters to gentle resistance, about half-an-inch into
each nostril, makes several rotations, and is placed, swab-side down, in the collection tube.
Those overseeing testing insides of the school building will need access to a test kit, barcode
scanner and return shipping box to offer a same-day diagnostic test indoors.
Q: HOW DOES THE TESTING PROGRAM WORK? WHAT’S INVOLVED?
The program to slow the pandemic and control the spread of COVID-19 in schools and communities
includes several steps: 1) daily symptom screening and report, 2) free and easy COVID-19 testing,3)
outbreak response, 4) contact tracing, and 5) isolation (keeping someone who is infected with the
virus away from others, even in their home) or quarantine (keeps someone who might have been
exposed to the virus away from others).
Symptom check: School districts encourage everyone (whether they are teaching and learning at
home or in school) to complete a daily symptom and exposure check. Schools may use a paper form,
text messaging, or software designed for this process. Teachers, staff, students, and families will be
asked to report daily on whether they have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to a
person with a confirmed case. People who report symptoms or exposure are given immediate
information about the free and easy testing process.
Voluntary testing: Teachers, staff, students, and members of their household who show any
symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 will be referred to a testing site that
serves just your school district, where they can get a free test that day. If the test is positive, they will
be asked to isolate for at least 10 days and until symptoms have resolved. If the test is negative,
they will be asked to isolate until symptoms have improved. Oral or nasal swab tests: The WA
Department of Health has partnered with a company called Curative, which uses painless oral or
nasal swab test kits. Individuals can collect their own sample under the observation of a trained test
observer. Curative will train people designated by the school to hand out and collect the test kits,
samples are sent to their lab daily, and they provide results within48 hours from when you take the
test. Outbreak response: When a COVID-19 positive case is identified, the school will activate its
outbreak mitigation testing plan, offering free and easy testing to everyone who has had contact with
the COVID-19 positive person. All of these contacts will also be asked to quarantine for 14 days, per
DOH guidance, regardless of test results to prevent further household or community transmission.
(Note that the DOH is being extra cautious in requesting a quarantine period longer than the 10-day
CDC guidelines.)
Contact tracing: As usual, every positive case will be reported to the local health jurisdiction for case
investigation and contact tracing to prevent further transmission. Schools can support and simplify
contact tracing efforts by using and documenting assigned seating for all classrooms, buses, meals
(if not eaten in the classroom), PE/recess cohorts, etc.
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LWSD COVID19 Parent Information on Testing
If your child is symptomatic or identified as a close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19,
testing is recommended.
For a list of locations that provide free COVID-19 testing, regardless of immigration or insurance
status, visit: http://www.kingcounty.gov/covid/testing. You can also contact the King County COVID-
19 Call Center for help finding testing sites between 8AM – 7PM at 206-477-3977. Interpreters are
available.
If you are unable to access testing in the community, you can sign up for a test at one of our district
testing centers. Please bring your insurance information (if available) to the test center and consent
for testing will be required. Students over the age of 18 will need to sign their own consent forms.
Your child’s neighborhood school will schedule you for testing at one of the district sites.
If you are unable to access testing at one of the district centers, please inform your principal and/or
building nurse and arrangements can be made to provide testing at your child’s school.
District Testing Locations and Hours
(Testing may not be available on all of these dates/times due to staff coverage. Your school cannot
schedule your appointment time – you must use the link on the following page to schedule.)
You must arrive for testing at your scheduled time. Testing is exclusively drive-up – DO NOT ENTER
THE SCHOOL. When you arrive at the test center, please follow the signs. Once you have arrived, call
or text to notify staff of your arrival.
Curative Molecular Testing Information and Permission Forms (link to multiple languages)
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LWSD COVID19 District Testing Guidance for Families and Staff
Link for Scheduling Your Test:
Location:
_____ Old Redmond Schoolhouse, 16600 NE 80th St, Redmond 98052
Arrival Number: 425-500-6663
_____ Kamiakin Middle School, 14111 – 132nd Ave NE, Kirkland 98034
Arrival Number: 425-500-6667
_____ Eastlake High School, 400 – 228th Ave NE, Sammamish 98074
Arrival Number: 425-500-6668
_____ Redmond High School, 17272 NE 104th Street, Redmond 98052
Arrival Number: 425-500-6665
_____ Emerson K-12, 10903 NE 53rd Street, Kirkland 98033
Arrival Number: 425-500-6662
IMPORTANT Reminders:
• Please bring a signed consent form and your medical insurance information.
• If your child is 18 years old, they must sign their own consent form.
• Follow the testing signs in the parking lot, all testing is done outside in a drive-up model.
• Please call or text upon your arrival at the test site.
• Do not exit your vehicle.
• Please wear a mask in the presence of district staff.
• Arrive promptly at your appointment time
For additional information on testing, please see below:
Testing FAQs for Parents and Students (This link takes you to a website that answers questions such
as those listed below)
• Who performs the COVID-19 test
• What does a test observer do?
• Who pays for the test? Do students and staff need insurance?
• If testing is free, why is insurance billed?
Testing is free; there is no out-of-pocket cost or co-pay for schools or families. The Washington State
Department of Health covers costs for school-based diagnostic and screening tests and funding
continues through July 2022. Have insurance? Great. Your provider will be billed directly with no cost
to you. No insurance? No problem. Just provide a valid government-issued ID and you’re good to go.
If you do not provide insurance or a government I.D., you can still get tested at no charge! The
Washington Department of Health will cover the cost.
With regards to patient privacy, it’s no different then getting tested at your doctor’s office. All health
information for the participant is kept private and is protected under federal HIPAA regulations
(Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). The school district point of contact will be
alerted if there is a positive test result and will initiate contact tracing and outbreak mitigation
procedures.
26
Updated 11/22/21 COVID19 Safety PlanRisk and Safety Services
L2R tests are quick & painless. All tests available through Learn to Return use a shallow nasal swab
to collect samples from participating students and staff. This is not the dreaded “brain tickler” or
nasopharyngeal swab. The shallow nasal swab enters to gentle resistance, about half-an-inch into
each nostril, makes several rotations, and is placed, swab-side down, in the collection tube.
Q: HOW DOES THE TESTING PROGRAM WORK? WHAT’S INVOLVED?
The program to slow the pandemic and control the spread of COVID-19 in schools and communities
includes several steps: 1) daily symptom screening and report, 2) free and easy COVID-19 testing,3)
outbreak response, 4) contact tracing, and 5) isolation (keeping someone who is infected with the
virus away from others, even in their home) or quarantine (keeps someone who might have been
exposed to the virus away from others).
Symptom check: School districts encourage everyone (whether they are teaching and learning at
home or in school) to complete a daily symptom and exposure check. Schools may use a paper form,
text messaging, or software designed for this process. Teachers, staff, students, and families will be
asked to report daily on whether they have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to a
person with a confirmed case. People who report symptoms or exposure are given immediate
information about the free and easy testing process.
Voluntary testing: Teachers, staff, students, and members of their household who show any
symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 will be referred to a testing site that
serves just your school district, where they can get a free test that day. If the test is positive, they will
be asked to isolate for at least 10 days and until symptoms have resolved. If the test is negative,
they will be asked to isolate until symptoms have improved. Oral or nasal swab tests: The WA
Department of Health has partnered with a company called Curative, which uses painless oral or
nasal swab test kits. Individuals can collect their own sample under the observation of a trained test
observer. Curative will train people designated by the school to hand out and collect the test kits,
samples are sent to their lab daily, and they provide results within48 hours from when you take the
test. Outbreak response: When a COVID-19 positive case is identified, the school will activate its
outbreak mitigation testing plan, offering free and easy testing to everyone who has had contact with
the COVID-19 positive person. All of these contacts will also be asked to quarantine for 14 days, per
DOH guidance, regardless of test results to prevent further household or community transmission.
(Note that the DOH is being extra cautious in requesting a quarantine period longer than the 10-day
CDC guidelines.)
Contact tracing: As usual, every positive case will be reported to the local health jurisdiction for case
investigation and contact tracing to prevent further transmission. Schools can support and simplify
contact tracing efforts by using and documenting assigned seating for all classrooms, buses, meals
(if not eaten in the classroom), PE/recess cohorts, etc.
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Updated 11/22/21 COVID19 Safety PlanRisk and Safety Services
Department of Health – Responding to Cases or Suspected Cases of
COVID-19
DOH Guidance – 10/27/21
Responding to Cases or Suspected Cases of COVID-19
To prepare for the potential of students or staff infectious with COVID-19 while at school, schools
must have a response and communication plan in place that includes communication with staff,
families, their school district, and their local health jurisdiction. Schools should prepare for
instructing students who are excluded from school due to illness or quarantine.
State law requires that each school have a safety committee that includes employer and staff
representatives. This committee should help provide coordination and input on the school’s COVID-
19 response. See the Core Rules, Chapter 296-800, WAC from WISHA for more information on how
to form a COVID-19 school response safety committee.
Refer to the Symptom Decision Tree and Contact Tracing Checklist for K-12 Schools and COVID19
Contact Tracing Guide and FAQ for K-12 Schools tools for additional information
What to Do if Someone Develops Symptoms of COVID-19 While at School
Any student, teacher, or staff who reports COVID-19-like symptoms must be immediately isolated
from others and sent home and referred to diagnostic testing as soon as feasible, regardless of
vaccination status.
While waiting to leave school, the individual with symptoms must be isolated in a designated
isolation space. They must wear a cloth face covering or mask. Anyone providing care or evaluation
to the isolated individual must wear appropriate PPE.
The designated isolation space for individuals with suspected COVID-19 symptoms must be
separated from the space used for those requiring general first aid or medicine distribution. If the
nurse’s office has an exam room designed with a negative air flow and directly exhausted air, this
room should be given priority as an isolation space. If this is not available, the isolation space would
ideally be a room with a door that can close and a window that can be opened to improve ventilation.
A properly sized HEPA air filter could be used to increase filtration, see DOH ventilation guidance for
more information.
If no appropriate indoor space is available (e.g., already occupied) and the student can be
supervised and made comfortable, an outdoor setting is an acceptable emergency alternative if
weather and privacy permit.
What to Do if Someone Visited School while Contagious with COVID-19
If someone visited a school while contagious with COVID-19, it is possible that students, staff, and/or
guests may have been exposed. A person is contagious with COVID-19 starting two days before they
have symptoms (or if asymptomatic, two days before they test positive for SARS-CoV-2) and through
the end of their isolation period Close contacts of a person with COVID-19 should be identified to
determine if they must quarantine.
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Updated 11/22/21 COVID19 Safety PlanYou can also read
