Updates to health and safety protocols
With the 2022-2023 school year in full swing, the safety and well-being of students and staff remain district priorities. Similar to other routine communicable diseases like the flu, we can reduce COVID-19 events by adhering to consistent personal and workplace safety protocols. We want to update staff on some changes and remind everyone to be mindful of others and take precautions to minimize the possibility of transmission.
Changes to quarantine requirements
Based on new protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and medical experts, Dallas ISD will no longer require employees (vaccinated or unvaccinated) to quarantine if they come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. A close contact is defined as less than six feet for a 15-minute or longer exposure to someone who is COVID positive.
Based on recommendations from public health officials, employees who have had a close contact are encouraged to:
- wear a mask while in district facilities for at least 10 days from exposure
- monitor symptoms
- get tested after five days or sooner if symptoms develop
Close contacts with someone who has tested positive should still be reported to Health Services by filling out the appropriate form. For questions regarding close contact procedures, call Health Services at 972-925-4211.
Changes for responsible distancing signage
The safety and well-being of students and staff is everyone’s responsibility. While signage for responsible distancing in district facilities may be removed when worn or damaged without the need to replace it, the recommendation is to continue to responsibly distance in common areas, including conference rooms, break rooms, and elevators. When planning trainings and other large gatherings of staff, students, and parents, organizers are encouraged to allow for responsible distancing.
Signage that reminds staff, students and visitors about best practices to avoid transmission of COVID and other communicable diseases should remain visible. Updated signage and placement suggestions will be provided to campuses and departments in the near future.
Campuses and central buildings should also continue to have signage indicating available personal protection items, such as masks and hand sanitizer. PPE supplies can be obtained from Maintenance and Facility Services.
Testing and positive cases
It is critical that you get tested if you believe you have been exposed to COVID or are exhibiting symptoms. If you test positive, report your status to Health Services by completing the contact tracing form. Once you submit a copy of your tracing form, you may also request paid Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL).
The Emergency Paid Sick Leave allows eligible employees to be absent from the work site for five calendar days from the date of the COVID-positive test. EPSL is a district paid status so access to your systems will not be disabled. Absences will not be deducted from your PTO balance while you are on leave. If symptoms are mild and you are able to perform the essential functions of your job remotely, you may choose to continue to work if appropriate.
To apply for EPSL, email BenefitsLeaves@dallasisd.org. Include your full name, employee ID number and a copy of your COVID-positive test result from a lab or your physician as well as phone number to reach you. Home tests are not accepted. Please note a Health Services directed quarantine does NOT make you eligible for EPSL.
- How do you return to work after being out on EPSL?
- You may return to work five calendar days from the date of your positive COVID test. (Return to work on day six)
- A negative COVID test is not needed to return to work.
- Masks should be worn at all times upon your return to work.
Masks
The district is continuously monitoring the number of positive cases in the district and in the community and working with health professionals to assess the need for additional safety measures. The use of masks can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases, and Dallas ISD is currently recommending staff use masks in large gatherings, especially where responsible distancing is difficult. If the numbers increase, the district may encourage or strongly encourage the use of masks.s always, staff who are immune compromised should discuss protocols for meetings and large gatherings with their supervisors.
Cleaning and sanitizing
To ensure safe and healthy environments for students and staff, Maintenance and Facility Services will continue to supply PPE to all campuses and departments as needed. It will also continue:
- regular cleaning and sanitation of common spaces,
- Saturday sanitization of school buildings,
- deep cleaning and sanitizing in case of an outbreak,
- monitoring areas for ventilation improvement.
