COVID-19 Update
July 6, 2022
Latest News about COVID-19 and School Protocol
Dear Palermo Private School Community,
There are several actions and requirements that have been reviewed and put in place to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in our school and into the community; and to ensure the safety of children and school staff while at school. Special provisions have been considered for all grades.
Our community-level measures have carried out early detection, testing, contact tracing and quarantine of contacts; investigated clusters; ensured physical distancing, hand and hygiene practices and age-appropriate mask use; shield vulnerable groups. Community-led initiatives such as addressing misleading rumors also played an important role in reducing the risk of infection. To ensure the necessary resources, policies and infrastructure have been placed to protect the health and safety of all school personnel, including people at higher risk.
We have kept hygiene and daily practices at the school and classroom level by keeping a physical distance of at least 1 meter between individuals including spacing of desks, frequent hand and respiratory hygiene, age-appropriate mask use, ventilation and environmental cleaning measures should be in place to limit exposure. Our school educates the staff and students on COVID-19 prevention measures, develops a schedule for daily cleaning and disinfection of the school environment, facilities and frequently touches surfaces, and ensures availability of hand hygiene facilities and national/local guidance on the use of masks.
Our school has enforced the policy of “staying home if unwell”, waive the requirement for a doctor’s note, create a checklist for parents/students/staff to decide whether to go to school (taking into consideration the local situation), ensure students who have been in contact with a COVID-19 case stay home for 14 days, and consider options for screening on arrival.
Non-Vaccinated or Not Fully Vaccinated Individuals
| Exposed to Covid-19 | Exposed to Covid-19 until day 90 after testing positive | Tested positive to Covid-19 |
|---|---|---|
| Quarantine for at least 5 days after exposure | No need to quarantine | Isolate for at least 5 days after a positive test |
| End quarantine after day 5 if fever-free for 24 hours | End isolation after day 5 if fever-free for 24 hours | |
| Take precautions until day 10 after exposure | Take precautions until day 10 after exposure | Take precautions until day 10 after exposure |
Fully Vaccinated Individuals
| Exposed to Covid-19 | Tested positive for Covid-19 |
|---|---|
| No need to quarantine | Isolate for at least 5 days after a positive test |
| Watch for symptoms until day 10 after exposure | End isolation after day 5 if fever-free for 24 hours |
| Take precautions until day 10 after exposure |
Even though the school systems in Puerto Rico and all over the world have faced many challenges throughout this ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, we have managed to pull through thanks to the collaboration and cooperation of all our staff, students, parents and school community. We thank everyone for the support, and we hope to keep succeeding in the next upcoming school year.
Sincerely,
Tina Palermo
School Director
Additional Resources
CDC
Departamento de Salud
Notice: If traveling outside of Puerto Rico while students are in class, we require parents to give notice at least 2 weeks prior to departure and to fill out the following form. Please make note the student will have to make up for any tests, quizzes, projects and all school work that the student missed while traveling.
Travel Information Form
