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- If a student has a positive COVID-19 test the infectious period will last for 10 days after symptoms begin (or their test date if the student had no symptoms).
- If a household member of a student tests positive, and the household member has the ability to isolate, the 10-day quarantine begins with the last known exposure to the household member. If the household member is unable to isolate, the 10- day quarantine begins for the student, after the 10-day quarantine of the positive household member ends.
- If a student travels outside of PA for any reason, the student will be required to quarantine for 10 days upon return to PA.
- When a student returns from being absent for 3 days or more, a medical excuse is required. If a student has a COVID-19 test done without a doctor’s order and does not see a medical professional during his/her absence, a note to return from a doctor is still necessary.
- If a student-athlete has a positive test for COVID-19 he/she must be seen by a physician before returning to play and provide a doctor’s note. Similar to mononucleosis or a concussion, the physician will need to clear the student for sports. There has been evidence of possible short and long-term heart complications associated with a positive test.
December 21, 2020
November 11, 2020
- Neck Gaiters
- Face Shields (that have gaps on the side and do not go below the chin)
- Half-shields that sit on the chin (these are open from the nose to the forehead)
UPDATED ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REQUIRING UNIVERSAL FACE COVERINGS
“Alternative to a face covering” may include a plastic face shield that covers the nose and mouth, extends below the chin and to the ears, and leaves no exposed gap between the forehead and the shield’s headpiece. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised there is currently not enough evidence to determine how much protection a face shield provides to individuals around the person wearing the face shield, because of gaps where respiratory droplets may escape.
November 19, 2020
November 12, 2020
COVID-19: Terms We Should Know
Since the new coronavirus and COVID-19, the illness it causes, are spreading through the communities in the United States and other countries, phrases such as “physical distancing,” "self-quarantine”, “isolating” and “contact tracing” are being used in the media and within our community. It is important to understand the meaning behind these terms to help reduce the confusion and misunderstanding that may occur.WHAT IS PHYSICAL DISTANCING
We have been encouraged to practice Social Distancing during the pandemic, which means staying home and away from others to help prevent the spread of the virus. As communities reopen and people are more often in public we started to use the term physical distancing which is being used to reinforce the need to stay 6 feet away from others, as well as wearing a face mask.
WHAT IS SELF-QUARANTINE
This is for people who have been exposed to the coronavirus and are at risk for coming down with COVID-19. Currently, health experts recommend that the individual should self-quarantine for 14 days. The period of 2 weeks provides enough time to know whether the individual will become ill and be contagious to other people.
You may be required to self-quarantine if you recently returned from travel to an area of the country or world where the COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, or if you have knowingly been exposed to an infected person.
What does it mean to quarantine:
- Performing standard hygiene and washing hands frequently
- Not sharing things like towels and utensils
- Staying at home
- Not having visitors
- Staying 6 feet away from other people in your household
The quarantine period begins the last day of exposure to the individual who has tested positive for COVID. If a person in your household receives a positive COVID test, they are considered contagious for 10 days, this begins 2 days before their symptoms or if they are asymptomatic it begins the day the COVID test was done. When the 10 days is complete, that is when the 14-day quarantine begins due to the incubation time of the virus. Incubation is the time between when someone is infected with the virus and when they show symptoms. The incubation period for COVID-19 is 3 – 14 days with the average being 5-6 days. Although newly infected people may not have symptoms during the incubation period they could still transmit the virus to others hence the need to self-quarantine.
WHAT IS ISOLATION
When a person is confirmed positive for COVID-19, isolation is appropriate. Isolation is a healthcare term that means keeping a person with a contagious illness away from other people who are not infected. Isolation can be done at home, in a healthcare facility, or a care facility.
WHAT IS CONTACT TRACING
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines contact tracing as “part of the process of supporting patients and warning contacts of exposure in order to stop chains of transmission.” Contact tracing has been a part of the public health process for decades to slow down and contain the transmission of tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, and other illnesses.
Contact tracing can:
- Break the chain of transmission in contagious disease outbreaks
- Prevent local surges in sick people that can overwhelm resources and hospitals
- Hasten the ability of communities to safely reopen schools, businesses, and public areas.
When a student tests positive for COVID-19 the contact tracer will call and speak with the parent and encourage the student to self-isolate. Questions are asked to determine if the student was in class and participating in extra-curricular activities during the period the student would have been contagious. The contact information is evaluated for low to high-risk exposure. The students who would be considered high-risk exposure are then contacted and asked to quarantine for 14 days due to the exposure.
Putting this all together can lessen the Coronavirus impact!
The Coronavirus pandemic is making us all aware of handwashing and protecting others from coughs and sneezes. Along with those essential steps, practices such as social distancing and physical distancing, and self-quarantine, isolation when appropriate and contact tracing can slow the rate of infection in a city, town, or community.
The pandemic can seem overwhelming, but in truth, each person can help slow down the spread of COVID-19. By doing your part, you can make a big difference to your health, and those around you.
A Message from Lancaster Catholic High School COVID Response Coordinator: Leslie Aikens
A Message from Lancaster Catholic High School COVID Response Coordinator: Leslie Aikens
A reminder to those planning to travel to an area where there are high amounts of COVID-19 cases, it is REQUIRED by the Diocese that you stay at home for 14 days upon return to Pennsylvania. The quarantine applies to the following states:
• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Florida
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming
concerned about the upcoming winter months, with increases anticipated in both the flu and COVID-19.
Remote Learning Clarification
- Most important, students MAY NOT randomly change their selected option (in-person or remote).
- A parent must call or email the attendance office to ensure that LCHS is aware their student needs to learn remotely for a few days. (The attendance officer will notify the school counselor as well.)
- Students should reach out individually to their teachers as well, to make sure teachers are aware of the short term change.
- TESTING: If an in-person student suddenly needs to learn remotely for one of the reasons listed above, and they have a test, the student will make up the test in person when they return.
- Students must be on time for class, (including homeroom) and remain in the class for the entire period.
- Students must be fully visible on camera (entire face).
- Students must be in LCHS approved casual dress. (This includes no facial hair for young men.)
- Students should be in a quiet place, at a desk or table preferably.
Reopening Plan
Synchronous Learning Guidelines for LCHS Students Learning Remotely
Period 1 8:00 – 9:14
Homeroom 9:20 – 9:33
Period 2 9:39 – 10:53
Lunch 10:59 – 12:17 (Free time to eat lunch, receive tutoring)
Period 3 12:23 – 1:37
Period 4 1:43 – 2:57
- Please refer to your handbook for special schedule times.
- Must be physically present on video (and audio when applicable); not a picture/bitmoji, etc.)
- Must be visible on video (enough light on face).
- Must be in appropriate attire, according to the LCHS casual dress guidelines found in the student handbook which can be found on the student tab the LCHS website or by clicking here.
- Must be sitting at a table or desk (if possible) with the materials needed for each class. Environment should be quiet and well lit.
- Must actively and respectfully participate in each class.
- Must follow each teacher’s syllabus guidelines.
Five-Part Reopening Plan Video Series
April 13, 2020
Direction Regarding Appropriateness During On-Line Academic Meetings
Students and Parents, as we continue in this new way of teaching and learning, we must address on-line meetings and what is appropriate.
For any google-meetings or the like, where students and teachers are on camera, the following must be observed:
- Students must be appropriately attired and surroundings are to be decent on camera.
- Sit up straight, no lounging or lying down, as it is a class meeting.
In addition, per school policy, all meetings will be recorded.
We appreciate everyone's continued support as we navigate this uncertain time in education and our world.
Thank you.
LCHS Administration
April 6, 2020
April 1, 2020
In a time of crisis, there are proven steps that can help us work through the uncertainties and distress we are experiencing as provided by WellSpan Employee and Family Resources:
- Acknowledge and verbalize when you are stressed.
Research has shown that talking about your concerns helps remove them and is far better than trying to ignore, deny, or suppress the natural feelings we all share. No matter who you are, the common denominator is that we are all human, and we will feel heightened stress during this time. Acknowledging it opens the gate for us to do something about it. - Rely on a few trusted resources for information.
Think: CDC, the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Limit searches on Google. - But limit your exposure to information.
Over-consumption of social media, national media and local media coverage of COVID-19 can consume you and create depleted energy and even more distress.
- Stay connected with others.
You may have to work harder at this as you adhere to the Pennsylvania Department of Health restrictions and social distancing, but this one is huge. Virtual interactions count! - Take care of your own basic needs.
You need fuel for the mind and body. Eat nutritious food, hydrate and try to get enough sleep.
- Keep up your daily routine as much as you can.
Routine is key – whether your usual one or a new one you create! Routine helps you maintain a sense of normalcy that can dramatically reduce stress. It might require some creative thinking, but this is vital for you in your work and for your family at home. - Take breaks, breathe, slow down with intention, and set limits.
We must remember to step away from our work. Take time out even if it’s for a minute or two. To slow down, and be present, will help slow what may seem like a chaotic, stressful experience. - Do some physical movement.
Move, stand up and be active, and exercise in whatever way you can, even in small increments. Get outside and take a walk, get some fresh air, look at the clouds, breathe deeply. - Focus on what you can control.
Be present and in the moment. Avoid the “What ifs.” Psychologists call this catastrophizing or running worst-case scenarios in our heads. This behavior will only create more distress. - Laugh!
Watch a funny movie, YouTube video or anything that tickles your funny bone. Laughter is good food for the soul. Laughter is an essential part of the coping equation during an emotionally charged time.
March 24, 2020 - Video Message from President Tim Hamer
March 12, 2020
Lancaster Catholic custodial staff uses the following industrial-grade cleaning/disinfectant products daily to thoroughly clean all campus facilities:
- Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner (NDC)
- NDC is a concentrated, pH neutral, broad-spectrum quaternary disinfectant designed to clean and disinfect a wide variety of hard, non-porous inanimate surfaces. Its pleasant fragrance makes this an ideal cleaner and disinfectant in all facilities that need to protect from harmful infectious diseases and infestations.
- WHERE IT’S USED:
- Hospitals • Nursing Homes • Restaurants • Schools • Hotels • Funeral Homes • Day Care Centers
- Registrations:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Reg. No. 1839-169-70799. For Safety Data Sheet (SDS) visit www.stateindustrial.com
- DBC-34 Concentrated Disinfectant Bathroom Cleaner
- DBC-34TM’s one-step formula cleans and disinfects making this the ideal disinfectant for hard, non-porous surfaces, not only in the restroom, but in any area. DBC-34 is also an effective sanitizer, mildewstat and deodorizer.
- CLEANING POWER
- Where other disinfectants can lose their potency on soiled surfaces, DBC-34’s quat-based formula can cut through tough hard water deposits and lime-scale build-up, to effectively clean and disinfect.
- EFFECTIVE AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:
- Brevibacterium ammoniagenes • Salmonella enterica • Enterobacter aerogenes • Salmonella typhi • Escherichia coli • Serratia marcescens • Klebsiella pneumoniae • Shigella dysenteriae •· Proteus mirabilis • Staphylococcus aureus • Pseudomonas aeruginosa • Streptococcus pyogenes
- WHERE IT’S USED:
- Hospitals • Nursing Homes • Restaurants • Schools • Hotels • Day Care Centers
- REGISTRATIONS:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Reg. No. 6836-86-70799
- Resources