Important COVID-19 Update
Thank you sincerely for the robust partnership we have experienced as a school community these first two weeks. In every situation related to COVID-19 protocols or responses, we have seen cooperation and mutual understanding with unity of spirit that in every way points to the grace of God working in our midst. Our students have been consistent with face coverings, families have been gracious with necessary changes, communication has been charitable, and our school has come together in a way that is an example to others in the wider community of how people of faith can respond to such a threat as the Coronavirus. Indeed, thank you for glorifying the Name of the High King in so many ways! We are most honored to partner with you this year.
We are sending this message to update you about a few changes to our policies and inform you about what to expect should there be a positive case in your home. As always, if you have any concerns or questions, please direct them to taskforce@circlechristianschool.org.
First, some good news.
The Florida Education Commissioner and the Florida Department of Education are encouraging responses to positive cases that are “surgical, not sweeping” in order to limit the impact of cases on educational progress. This means that Circle’s efforts to continue with campus classes as much as possible throughout the semester is in line with the FDOE and the Orange County Health Department. Our goals are aligned, and that should help us to achieve our objective of maintaining in-person classes whenever possible.
As you may be aware from an earlier communication sent after a Circle student tested positive, we worked with the Department of Health to devise a plan that would only affect the class of that student and the teacher. Our facility partner required a broader response, however, as detailed in that communication:
The Orange County Health Department recommended that only students and teacher(s) with direct contact be moved off campus to remote online instruction until Monday, August 24, 2020.
The Winter Garden facility, however, directed that all students, teachers, and staff be moved off campus to remote online instruction until Monday, August 24, 2020.
Circle is presently working with our facility partners in accordance with the FDOE’s surgical approach and the improving situation with regard to community spread (see also “Orange County” under “Health Metrics” here) to devise plans that will allow unexposed students and staff to continue on-campus classes when positive cases occur.
We are very thankful to report that all individuals affected by COVID-19 in that instance are doing well at this time.
Updates to Circle’s Reopening Plan
- Negative Test Results and Returning to Campus:
In the section titled “If a Case Is Reported at Circle Christian School,” the document stated the following about a student’s return to campus if he or she tests negative for COVID-19:
A negative test result and the absence of symptoms for 24 hours are sufficient for the student or staff member to return to campus.
This procedure has changed. The Florida Department of Health indicates that the incubation period for the virus is 14 days such that a person could test negative early in that period and still carry the virus and see symptoms emerge later in that time-frame. Therefore, a student or staff member can only return to campus once the self-isolation or quarantine periods have concluded.
- Self-isolation and Quarantine Periods:
In the section titled “If a Case Is Reported at Circle Christian School,” the document stated the following about the self-isolation period for students that test positive for COVID-19:
The Florida Department of Health requires all persons that test positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate for 14 days.
This section has been amended to clarify self-isolation of individuals who test positive and quarantining of those who have been exposed. Our understanding of current CDC guidelines (reflected in FDOH recommendations) is that a person who tests positive needs to self-isolate for ten days from symptom onset, and can return to interaction with others at that time so long as he or she is fever-free (without using fever-reducing medication) and other symptoms are improving.
The requirement for individuals who have been exposed is different, however. Once a person tests positive for COVID-19, anyone exposed to that person should be quarantined for 14 days from the time of the last exposure before returning to interaction with others. (See below for a definition of exposure).
Circle will be following these guidelines with respect to students and staff that test positive and their family members or others who are exposed to someone who contracted the virus. We will continue to work with the Florida Department of Health to determine the best course of action in each case.
- Definitions: exposure, isolation and quarantine:
Exposure is defined as:
Close contact to COVID-19 occurs when you are within six feet of someone who is showing symptoms of COVID-19, for at least 15 minutes, when neither person is wearing a mask, and the infected person later tests positive for the coronavirus.
A further description of exposure can be found here. This understanding of exposure helps to explain Circle’s current policy regarding face coverings on campus. Because face coverings can limit exposure to the Coronavirus, especially in instances where a person is asymptomatic or not yet presenting symptoms, this approach is important as part of our overall effort to remain on campus as much as possible.
Isolation is defined as:
Isolation is used to separate people infected with COVID-19 from people who are not infected. People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. In the home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick room” or area and using a separate bathroom (if available).
Isolation is distinct from quarantine, which “is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others.” When isolating, please make certain to monitor your health or the health of the individual carefully. Additional information can be found here.
Anyone who tests positive with COVID-19 should isolate themselves from family members. Family members will then need to quarantine for 14 days from the time of last exposure before returning to interaction with others.
Lastly, what to expect if your family has a positive case.
Circle is making every effort to follow up with every instance of sickness among our students and staff whenever someone presents symptoms on campus, at home, or at the temperature check stations at our entrances. If one of your children gets sick in any way, please have them stay home from campus classes, have them join through a remote option, and communicate with the school about the illness. Siblings should also remain home until the situation is more fully understood.
Someone from the school will follow up with you to understand more about the symptoms presenting, whether those symptoms can be attributed to a cause other than COVID-19, and if you are aware of any exposures to a person that has tested positive for the Coronavirus. Collaboration with healthcare providers, the Department of Health, your family and the school will help to guide us as to the most prudent path forward in view of the unique circumstances presenting.
Your partnership in communicating with the school is paramount in our unified effort to navigate this school year well. Thank you for helping us in this regard as a way of caring for one another.
Please continue to monitor your students’ health before coming to campus, encourage them to wash hands regularly and wear face coverings as directed, and reach out with any questions. We are here to help as always!
Thank you once again for your diligence in love and grace at the start of this school year! We are ever grateful for you and are honored to partner together.
Jim Werner for the Circle Christian School Administration