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