Cumberland Schools – Updated Travel & Quarantine Guidance

Cumberland Schools – Updated Travel & Quarantine Guidance

Dear Cumberland School Community, 

There has been considerable coverage of the travel vaccination requirements in Rhode Island and the impact of the guidance on our school faculty, staff and students.  We have always prioritized safety in adopting guidelines concerning COVID-19 and in person instruction.  We are also cognizant of the considerable sacrifices families have made over the past 18 months in postponing family activities and trips which would sacrifice in-person instruction for children.   

With that in mind, and after we have had the opportunity to consult with the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Education, we now feel comfortable relaxing the travel quarantine guidance originally issued.  

Going forward, Cumberland will follow the guidance as outlined below for quarantines associated with travel.   

All unvaccinated students and staff who travel to a location outside of the New England Region shall be required to comply with the CDC quarantine requirements*.  Individuals who are unable or unwilling to provide proof of vaccination prior to travel outside of the region shall be required to comply with all quarantined requirements for unvaccinated individuals.

Please keep in mind that some activities, even when they take place in Rhode Island, carry a higher risk with them than others.  For example, attending a concert, wedding or funeral carries with it more risk than hiking. We are asking families and staff to use their best judgment when returning to school after participating in high risk activities that may put others at risk.  

Individuals will be considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 once two (2) or more weeks have passed after receipt of the second dose in an FDA approved 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) or two (2) or more weeks have passed after receipt of an FDA approved single dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson / Janssen).  

Please be advised that this new guidance is being issued based on the information available to us at the time of writing this communication.  The School Department may adopt stricter travel protocols if future circumstances warrant increased/decreased restrictions based upon current scientific data.

 

*Current Travel Quarantine Guidance from CDC for unvaccinated individuals:

People should get tested with a viral test three to five days after travel AND stay home and self quarantine for a full seven days after travel. 

  • Even if you get a negative test result, stay home and self quarantine for the full seven days. 

  • If your test result is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected. • If you don’t get tested, stay home and self quarantine for 10 days after travel.

 … Read More...

Cumberland Schools – Updated Travel & Quarantine Guidance

Superintendent’s Weekly Communication – 8.20.21

Dear Students, Staff and Families,

 

I am sending this email in an effort to provide information regarding the opening of our schools.  Listed below are several bulleted items for your information.

  • The first day of school for Grades 1-9 is on Monday, August 30, 2021.

  • All PK-12 students report to school on Tuesday, August 31, 2021.

  • Pursuant to the Executive Order of Governor McKee, all staff and students will be required to wear masks while attending school.  Executive Order 21-87

  • The work we completed on our ventilation systems in each of our schools will continue to be utilized this year to provide additional air circulation for classrooms.

  • We are working with an outside vendor to provide an asymptomatic testing system for all students.  This will allow us to remain in person more frequently by identifying positive cases.  

  • We encourage all eligible students and staff to get vaccinated.  Under current CDC guidance, Vaccinated individuals will not need to quarantine when they are determined to be close contacts with positive COVID-19 cases unless they are showing symptoms.  This will allow students and staff to come to school, in-person, on a more regular and consistent basis.

    • The Cumberland Emergency Medical Services (CEMS) will be operating a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for the 12 and older student population in Cumberland.  This clinic will be like those operated for the same target population last spring.   This clinic is for both public and private schools.  DOH estimates that there are approximately 1,362 vaccine eligible students in Cumberland. 

The clinic will be held on Monday, August 23, 2021, from 3:00-7:00pm at the Ann & Hope Building (former retail entrance on the railroad track side).    

Students less than 16 years of age must have a parent present to consent.   

The registration link is here:

https://www.vaccinateri.org/appointment/en/client/registration?clinic_id=5280&find_label=find_location&return_to=%2Fappointment%2Fen%2Fclinic%2Fsearch

Accommodations will be made for walk-up (unregistered) individuals, but it is preferred that those seeking a vaccination are registered ahead of time to facilitate clinic logistics and planning.   

 

We look forward to having our students return to school for the 2021-2022 school year. As we continue to navigate our way through the ongoing challenges, your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated.

 

Sincerely,

Philip D. Thornton, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools… Read More...

Translate »