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Coronavirus Digital Headquarters

January 19, 2021
 
Unfortunately, COVID-19 has followed us into the New Year.
 
Here are reminders about the expectations of returning to school after having a COVID-19 positive test, quarantining, and/or isolating.
 
  • 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
 
I would like to thank all the parents, students, and staff for the support they have shown through asking questions about travel and testing for COVID-19, wearing your mask every day, and quarantining when necessary. The COVID-19 pandemic has made all of our lives more challenging in many different ways, so a special thank you for your patience, perseverance, and communication with us to help keep the students in the school building and learning together. As you can tell I am very appreciative to this school community and how the community works together.
 
One of the areas that I have not addressed in the COVID-19 updates is testing. I thought it would be helpful to give you some facts around testing for COVID-19. The COVID-19 positivity rate is monitored by John Hopkins COVID Resource Center. The Positivity rate for Pennsylvania on December 21, 2020, was 15.8%. This is the percentage of tests that are positive. The rate that the World Health Organization considers ideal is 5%. When the positivity rate is above this it may indicate a state may only be testing the sickest patients who seek out medical care and are not casting a wide enough net to identify milder cases and track outbreaks.
 
In the Public Health area, the testing for COVID-19 is critical to measuring the spread of the disease and determining how to handle the pandemic. There are two types of COVID-19 tests available, serology tests and viral tests and they serve different purposes and have different limitations.
 
The viral tests are performed with an oral or nasal swab or a saliva test that looks for evidence of an active viral infection. Two major types of viral tests are performed, a PCR test and an antigen test. The PCR tests looks for the presence of a virus’s genetic material. The antigen tests look for specific proteins on a virus’s surface. A faster result is found with the antigen tests although this test may be less sensitive. These viral tests do not indicate whether someone was infected in the past only if a current infection is detected. The FDA formally approves these tests prior to use.
 
The serology test is a blood test that detects evidence of someone’s prior infection with the virus. This test is looking for evidence that someone may have been exposed to the virus in past, including individuals who were asymptomatic, by detecting antibodies specific to the virus. The serology test does not diagnose an active infection or determine an individual who is protected from reinfection (currently antibodies have not been proven to guarantee immunity). The FDA does not formally approve these tests prior to use, although a few have Emergency Use Authorization.
 
If you have an exposure to a person who has tested positive for COVID and you develop symptoms contact your medical provider immediately.
 
Stay safe and healthy! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
November 11, 2020
 
This is an update for the LCHS Community regarding allowable face covering. We will be monitoring the face covering the student is wearing beginning December 1, 2020. It will need to meet the requirements stated below in the Updated Order from the Secretary of the PA Department of Health. If the student is not wearing a face-covering that meets this requirement, they will be given one as they enter the building.
 
Some of the face coverings that will no longer be accepted:
  • 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

Accordingly, in order to prevent and control the spread of disease, I hereby order:
 
Section 1: Definitions

“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.
 
“Face covering” means covering of the nose and mouth with material that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears or is wrapped around the lower face. A “face covering” can be made of a variety of synthetic or natural fabrics, including cotton, silk, or linen. A “face covering” may be factory-made, sewn by hand, or be improvised from household items, including, but not limited to, scarfs, bandanas, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels. While procedural and surgical masks intended for health care providers and first responders, such as N95 respirators, meet those requirements, these specialized masks should be reserved for appropriate occupational and health care personnel.
 
John Hopkins has a page of frequently asked questions concerning face coverings, click here to access the site. 
November 19, 2020
 
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,  courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
 
Let us find wisdom and comfort in this prayer. As the surge of COVID-19 positive cases rise in Lancaster County, the feeling of anxiety for some is rising as well.
 
What can we do about this?
 
Each of us can do the right thing about preventing the spread of COVID, the public health measures such as wearing a mask, social distancing, washing hands frequently and if you travel outside of PA you quarantine as needed.
 
We cannot change what is happening in our community, in the words above “courage to change the things I can” in my mind refers to doing what is best to protect yourself and your loved ones.
 
Here are some coping strategies from Joseph McGuire, Ph. D., M.A., a child psychologist with John Hopkins University, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/stressed-about-covid19-heres-what-can-help
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

November 5th
 
I want to begin by thanking everyone for your due diligence in helping keep our students, staff, and families safe during these unprecedented times. Unfortunately, we continue to hear the number of positive COVID-19 cases are rising in the state.
 
The blueprint for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic has been evident in other countries for months: “masks, distancing, no large gatherings,” as Tom Inglesby, MD, Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. We need to stay diligent in all these areas in the days and months ahead.
 
We know the year 2020 has been a whirlwind for parents. And now we have holiday gatherings coming up and decisions to make about the gatherings. Epidemiologists warn families to move forward with caution as the US case numbers climb toward a third peak. Eric Toner, MD, Senior Scientist, Environmental Health and Engineering, says “we’re going to see this roller coaster effect. Cases go up, cases go down.” As a result, he says it’s helpful for parents to plan for all possible scenarios. He also cautioned people to fight “pandemic fatigue,” explaining, “the reason we’re seeing increasing cases now is because we’ve relaxed those containment measures. Those places that somehow think they’re immune to the virus will see big spikes.”
 
Click here for the link from John Hopkins School of Public Health Insights to help in your decision-making over the holidays.

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
 
Working together to keep our community safe and healthy over the holidays and months ahead.
 
October 22nd 
 
We have recently seen a rise in COVID-19 cases in Lancaster County, and our public health officials are
concerned about the upcoming winter months, with increases anticipated in both the flu and COVID-19.
 
The fear is that we will see cases rise due to people spending more time indoors, getting tired of the public health measures, traveling for the holidays, and receiving mixed messages from national and local leaders. We need to stay vigilant with our public health practices, such as wearing masks, social distancing, and regular hand washing.
 
Please avoid social gatherings in homes, and if you are sick, stay away from others to avoid spread. If you are planning to travel, please notify the school and check the travel advisory on the PA Department of Health website, for the most current directions.
 
Please understand that the Diocese of Harrisburg expects its schools to treat these travel restriction recommendations as requirements. COVID-19 is not showing signs of going away, and with the winter months coming, we may see an increase in the number of cases. LCHS is working hard to keep our students and staff safe and healthy, and it takes all of us working together to make that happen.
As we move into the third week of school and blended learning, we would like to clarify several issues:
  • Most important, students MAY NOT randomly change their selected option (in-person or remote).
We understand that there are reasons an in-person learner may need to be remote for a few days: general illness, injury, waiting for test results, or quarantining. If that is the case, the following procedure should be followed:
  • 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.
For all remote learners, whether it is a permanent option, or only for a few days, the following rules apply:
  • 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.
Synchronous Learning Guidelines for LCHS Students Learning Remotely
 
Must be logged into your Google classrooms at the start of each class and remain in the class the entire period:
 
Regular Schedule

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
 
The bell schedule can be found on the student tab on LCHS website or here.
 
  • 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.
 

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
Financial Aid Concerns
 
Those with Financial Aid concerns for this year and next year, please know that if you want a
Lancaster Catholic education for your son or daughter, we'll make it work.
 
2020-21 Financial Aid Concerns Form
April 1, 2020
 
Self-Care Hallmarks during the COVID-19 situation

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- 3:00 PM

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