April 1, 2021 COVID-19 General Update
Several important health order changes have occurred during the past week. In our continued efforts to provide clarity about campus safety protocols, we have reviewed the health orders and will make the following adjustments:
CDC Amended Recommendations & Impact to Classrooms:
The CDC recently amended recommendations on safe social distancing for schools, citing three feet as acceptable physical distance in classrooms and learning environments where masking occurs. Indian Hill High School will now be able to modify some classroom seating arrangements based on these amended recommendations. We will continue to utilize barriers and follow social distancing expectations in commons areas and in our cafeterias, where masks are removed during lunchtime. All of our other safety measures and protocols remain in place.
Ohio Quarantine & Activities Update:
Recently, the Ohio Department of Health amended its Director’s Second Order to align school close contact quarantine rules for all students where masking and social distancing occurs, including those involved in extracurricular activities.
Students, staff, or other individuals who had close contact (within six feet of an infected individual for at least 15 minutes) or who had direct physical contact with the person (e.g., who were coughed on or sneezed on by the infected person) and who remain asymptomatic will now be allowed to shorten their quarantine:
• After day 10 without a test result and no symptoms
• After day 7 after receiving a negative test result (test must occur on day 5 or later)
Recently the Ohio Travel Advisory Map was removed by the Department of Health. Therefore, our PickUp Patrol daily health check no longer asks a question about travel to other states for quarantine purposes. The District will continue to adhere to current CDC quarantine guidance regarding both domestic and international travel to high risk areas (levels 2-4).
Governor DeWine announced an amended order to allow for larger social gatherings. Beginning April 1, 2021 Indian Hill will allow for increased attendance of 25 percent at indoor venues, and 30 percent at outdoor venues. We ask all visitors and guests to honor our social distancing protocols and adhere to the District mask policy at all end of year school activities.
Indian Hill High School Testing:
Recently Governor DeWine signed into law House Bill 67, waiving statewide final exams for high school students in grades 11 and 12. The American History exam requirement was also waived for the 2020-2021 school years. Additionally, flexible testing time windows have been added for students K-12.
Vaccine Information:
Students aged 16 and older are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. For more information on vaccination, visit the Ohio Department of Health’s Coronavirus website here.
Safety First:
If you find out you are COVID-19 positive, please call our COVID-19 Hotline to report your case at (513) 272-9698.
It is our responsibility to inform you as members of our Indian Hill School District community about all reports of positive COVID-19 test results that directly impact our District, and we will continue to share these important updates as needed.
As always, we appreciate your partnership as we continue to navigate these unprecedented times.
Sincerely,
Kirk Koennecke
Superintendent
Indian Hill School District
Posted: Thursday, April 1, 2021