Dear Teachers and Parents,

Greetings!

We strongly advise our parents and teachers to observe the effective measures against COVID-19, as the positive COVID-19 cases rose dramatically in our area and throughout our country.

Since we re-opened on May 11, we instituted a new protocol, upgraded some of our classrooms, and voluntarily reduced our capacity by 50%.  We have been fortunate so far, for there has been no COVID-19 case among our teachers and children (everyone please knock on the wood three times).

However, things could go wrong easily and we may have to close again if any of the two scenarios play out.

1. We will close if another Stay-at-Home order is declared.

The number of positive cases in our county has been rising lately, causing county public health officials caution more restrictions may be imposed. Right now the county is at a orange zone, and it has 14 days to reverse the trend before they institute more restrictions.

If things get worse from that point, the county or the state may have to declare a “stay-at-home” order again. At that time, we will close until the order is lifted, just like we did back in March.

2. We will have to quarantine if positive cases occur at the school

Recently,  we have heard at least one school in the city has been put under quarantine.

The current guideline is that if there is one positive case found in classroom of a childcare center, the affected classroom needs to be quarantined for 10 days;  if three cases or more found in a center, the center needs to quarantine for 10 days.

I want everyone to take a few seconds to imagine the disruption to your life if that happened to us. If that is not acceptable, please exercise strong precaution against COVID-19, stay at home if possible and if you have to go out, wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Please find the attached COVID 19 Child Care Decision Tree. If a teacher or a child exhibits symptom or came to close contact with COVID-19, even without any symptom, please separate and quarantine according to the resources linked on the decision tree.

Thank you and best regards,

 

Nina Emmer

Director, Sunset Academy