Dear Canon-McMillan School District Parents/Guardians and Staff,
As the district’s phased return to in-person instruction resumes it will continue to report any new updates and any positive cases regarding COVID-19. Within the first week there have been three positive cases identified: one student at South Central Elementary, one student at North Strabane Intermediate and one staff member at Wylandville Elementary. Contact tracing was conducted and individuals identified as close contacts were notified. The staff member was not present when students were in session. We are taking all recommended steps to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. Please note, we are performing daily deep cleanings in all District buildings with disinfectant mist machines.
The district also wanted to remind everyone of Pennsylvania’s mask mandate for all buildings. Below are some key aspects regarding the topic of face shields from the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Frequently Asked Questions:
“The Order requires individuals to wear a "face covering." "Face covering" means covering of the nose and mouth with material that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears or is wrapped around the lower face. A "face covering" can be made of a variety of synthetic or natural fabrics, including cotton, silk or linen. A "face covering" may be factory-made, sewn by hand, or be improvised from household items, including, but not limited to, scarfs, bandanas, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels.
Wearing a cloth face covering is best. A face shield is considered an alternative to a face covering and may be worn when wearing a face covering is otherwise not possible.
A plastic face shield should cover the nose and mouth, extend below the chin and to the ears, and leaves no exposed gap between the forehead and the shield’s headpiece. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised there is currently not enough evidence to determine how much protection a face shield provides to individuals around the person wearing the face shield, because of gaps where respiratory droplets may escape. The CDC does state, however, that face shields may still be an option in situations where wearing a cloth face covering is not otherwise feasible.”
As an additional reminder, anyone experiencing the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 is urged to contact their primary care physician immediately and to notify the school nurse of the child’s building if there is a positive report or exposure to a positive person. For your convenience and information, the Canon-McMillan School District Screening Tool can be accessed on our website, cmsd.k12.pa.us in the Coronavirus Update Center. It provides detail on signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Please heed the warnings/advisories medical experts are sharing with gatherings of groups and visits to hot spots.
Please visit the PA Department of Health website (www.health.pa.gov) for the latest and most accurate information about COVID-19. The health and safety of our students and staff is paramount, and we continue to follow all aspects of the District’s health and safety plan at all times. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate through this pandemic. We will get through this together.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Canon-McMillan School District