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COVID-19 Mitigation Information

 
Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School is dedicated to the health and safety of our school community.

In considering the needs of our entire school community, the following mitigation strategies are in place, and effective implementation of our policies and procedures require the cooperation of all.

The outlined policies and procedures are in place to ensure the health and safety of the entire Gwynedd community, while continuing to monitor health guidelines and recommendations as the situation continues to evolve. Your continued patience and flexibility over the coming weeks and months as we anticipate adjustments may be required based upon the most recent guidance. 

Masking 

When school resumes following Easter break on April 18, masking will continue to be recommended but will no longer be required for gatherings in the Performing Arts Center.

Beginning Saturday, February 26, the wearing of masks became optional, with several exceptions: 

  • Anyone who wishes to wear a mask should continue to do so. 
  • Those who are unvaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear a mask at all times. 
  • While masks will be optional, there will be conditions when masks will be required periodically,
    • When requested by Faculty, Counselor, or Staff for extended one on one interactions with them.
    • Students may be asked to wear a mask in a classroom if faculty/staff is at-risk due to a documented health reason.

Athletics 

  • At this time, masks are not required for student athletes of outdoor sports and sporting events while actively engaged in athletic performance. We will continue to monitor this during the school year. 

  • The Athletics Department may require student athletes to wear masks on the sidelines and in training facilities. We will continue to monitor this during the school year. 

  • Outdoor athletic event spectators need not wear masks. 

Ruvna App
We ask all parents to continue to monitor student symptoms. Only unvaccinated individuals (and those who chose not to disclose vaccination status) are required to complete the Ruvna app daily prior to morning arrival.  

Testing Details:

  • Due to delayed results from our Lab/Provider Concentrics, POOL/PCR testing will no longer be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • Gwynedd will move to rapid testing on a case-by-case basis.  You will be contacted by the nurse for consent before any testing will be administered to your daughter. Results can be obtained in 15 minutes.
  • Students who are feeling ill should NOT come in to school to be tested. They should remain at home.
  • Individuals testing positive will be contacted by the nurse and will be required to abide by the Montgomery County Office of Public Health School COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine Guidelines.
  • Rapid Test are now available for Free through the US government. Tests can be ordered  at the following link.COVIDtests.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 tests. Once ordered tests should be received in 7-12 business days.

Contact Tracing  
We will continue to work with Montgomery County Health Department to contact trace any students, faculty and staff with a positive COVID-19 test result, whether through surveillance testing or diagnostic tests. Students, faculty, and staff who are “close contacts” and who are fully vaccinated will not need to quarantine. Students, faculty, and/or staff who test positive for COVID-19 will need to isolate, regardless of vaccination status. 

Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School will follow the guidance provided by the Montgomery County Health Department. In the event of a positive case, member(s) of the school community may return to our campus in accordance with the guidelines of the Montgomery County Health Department.  

Vaccination clinics 
The following provides a listing of COVID-19 vaccination clinics administered by the Montgomery County Office of Public Health as well as select other local clinics. Please note that walk-ins are welcome at all clinics unless otherwise noted. Appointments are typically recommended to keep wait times low.  

https://www.montcopa.org/3660/COVID-19-Vaccine  

https://www.montcopa.org/3671/COVID-19-Vaccine-FAQs  

Facilities Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfecting, and Ventilation 

  • Continue enhanced cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting standards will continue. 

  • HVAC Units have been serviced and filters will continue to be replaced regularly 

  • Adequate sanitizing and disinfecting supplies will be available to support healthy hygiene practices. 

  • Continue to practice social distancing during lunch periods.