Gwinnett County Public Schools: GCPS Applies Range Of Layered Mitigation Strategies To Help Slow COVID Spread

Press release from Gwinnett County Public Schools:

01.27.22

To help slow the spread of COVID-19, GCPS applies a range of multi-layered mitigation strategies—adding and layering strategies when the spread of infection in the community increases. These practices are designed to help promote healthy and safe practices for our students, staff, and visitors, and  to help keep our students in school and learning in person.

So, what strategies are in place and what triggers additional layers of mitigation?(Note that if the two indicators—new cases and positivity rate—suggest different transmission levels, the higher level is selected as the Community Transmission Rate for the week.)

LOW/MODERATE Community Transmission

Total New Cases per 100,000 People (within past 7 days)Low: Fewer than 10 per 100,000Moderate: 10-49 per 100,000

Percentage of Positive PCR Tests (during last 7 days)Low: Less than 5% of PCR tests return with positive result Moderate: 5.0-7.9% of PCR tests return with positive result

MasksMasks strongly recommended in all schools and facilities under updated mask guidance, based on community spread.

Multi-layered Mitigation Strategies in PlaceDistrict promotes vaccination for all who are eligible (ages 5 and older) and hosts vaccination clinics at high schools.

In all of our buildings, we use enhanced ventilation practices (MERV 13 filters); promote proper respiratory etiquette; encourage regular handwashing; emphasize the need for individuals to stay home if they are sick, exposed, or waiting for test results; use Health Response Teams process; and clean and disinfect schools and buses, focusing on high-touch areas.

Targeted Response (shift to digital learning)Targeted closures could occur, based on specific conditions in individual classrooms.

SUBSTANTIAL Community Transmission

Total New Cases per 100,000 People (within past 7 days)50–99 per 100,000

Percentage of Positive PCR Tests (during last 7 days)8.0-9.9% of PCR tests return with positive result

MasksMasks required in all schools and facilities under updated mask guidance, based on community spread. (Must have two weeks at low/moderate level before removing mask requirement.)

Multi-layered Mitigation Strategies in PlaceDistrict continues all mitigation strategies in place during low/moderate transmission, and adds the following strategies:− Pause field trips− Pause visitors to schools− Pause volunteers in schools

Targeted Response (shift to digital learning)Targeted closures could occur, based on specific conditions in individual classrooms.

HIGH Community Transmission

Total New Cases per 100,000 People (within past 7 days)100 or more per 100,000

Percentage of Positive PCR Tests (during last 7 days)10.0% or more of PCR tests return with positive result

MasksMasks required in all schools and facilities under updated mask guidance, based on community spread. (Must have two weeks at low/moderate level before removing mask requirement.)

Multi-layered Mitigation Strategies in PlaceDistrict continues all mitigation strategies in place during low/moderate/substantial transmission, and could add any of the following strategies:− Consider limiting capacity in cafeterias − Consider for Community Schools—limit the use of facilities by others, limit or suspend activities, limit new contracts− Consider for Athletic Events, Performances, and Competitions—limit capacity, limit or suspend activities− Suspend overnight travel

Targeted Response (shift to digital learning)Targeted closures could occur, based on specific conditions in individual classrooms, at the school level, and districtwide.

This press release was produced by Gwinnett County Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.