COVID-19 Common Questions and Answers

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What physical measures has MBMA taken to protect the health of my child?

 

MBMA takes COVID-19 seriously and has specific protocols in place to keep our community safe.

 

Handwashing and Hand-Sanitizing Protocols:

Encourage frequent handwashing for at least 20 seconds.  Use hand sanitizer when soap and water is not readily available. We also provide frequent breaks for handwashing. Hand sanitizer and/or soap and water are available at or near the site entrance, at checkout counters, and at various locations throughout the site to enable the public and staff to frequently clean their hands.

 

Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols

MBMA thoroughly and regularly cleans any high traffic areas (including seating areas, break rooms, bathrooms, and other common areas) and frequently disinfect any high-contact surfaces (including doorknobs, handrails, counters, tables, checkout areas, telephone, etc.).

 

To Improve Ventilation, Filtration, and Outdoor Air Exchange

Teachers are asked to open windows and doors throughout the facility when environmental, building, and safety conditions allow. All classrooms are outfitted with an air purifier which runs throughout the day.

 

Measures to Maintain Social Distancing

MBMA limits the number of people in the school to allow adequate social distancing (six feet minimum) at all times and to comply with any applicable capacity restrictions in the Health Officer Order. Tape or other markings/signage are placed at least six feet apart in parent/student line areas at our public entrances with signs directing parent/student to use the markings to maintain social distance. MBMA minimizes any in-person meetings and adjust those that are necessary to ensure adequate social distancing. All students MUST wear masks on campus unless eating and/or working at their desk.

 

Recess and Lunch Times

All students eat lunch with their class cohort only. Elementary students each outside while primary students eat in their classrooms in order to keep cohorts separate and socially distanced. Outdoor tables and seats are sanitized daily. For recess and outdoor play, all classes are assigned areas of the playground which change throughout the week. Toys and playground equipment are sanitized and cleaned daily for preventative measures.

 

Hybrid Classrooms

MBMA has outfitted all elementary classrooms with the capabilities to offer our families the option of zooming from their homes OR coming to school for in-person classes. MBMA understand the complexities of the decision-making process and offers both options to help meet the academic needs of our community.

 

 

What training has been provided to MBMA staff?

 

MBMA personnel has been trained on screening themselves for COVID-19 symptoms, including temperature and/or symptom checks using CDC guidelines available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.htm. All personnel need to stay home and get tested if they have a frequent cough, fever, difficulty breathing, chills, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, or recent loss of taste or smell. Ensure all personnel know they must also stay home if they or someone they live with has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or if they’ve had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19.

 

Staff are required to take their temperature daily onsite and understand the importance of frequent handwashing with soap and water, mandatory face coverings, and the importance of social distancing.  Staff’s personnel breaks are staggered to reduce the number of teachers taking breaks together. MBMA has outdoor break areas with shade covers as a substitute for indoor break areas. Staff are encouraged to eat their meals and take their breaks socially distanced outdoors when conditions allow. Mask and proper face covering are required.

 

Staff members have been trained to work under Covid 19 Special Work Condition Guideline required by the school following the State and County guideline including the Facility Cleaning and Sanitizing protocols for each schedule, visitor limitation, health education, travel and gathering advice and requirement.

 

MBMA staff recognize the importance of getting tested for COVID-19 in accordance with County guidance available at: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/community_epidemiology/dc/2019-nCoV/testing.html  and know that testing is available through their healthcare provider or at free community testing sites.

 

Can I send my child to school if he/she is exhibiting only one COVID-19 symptom?

 

Please do NOT send your child to school if he/she has ANY symptoms. It doesn’t matter the amount of symptoms, please keep your child at home. He/she must be at home 72 hours symptom free without any medication and return with a negative COVID-19 test. Any one or several symptoms below qualify to keep the child at home:

DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL IF HE/SHE HAS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:

 

• Fever 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher

• Cough

• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing

• Chills

• Loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Runny nose

• Muscle or body aches

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

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What are MBMA’s travel protocols for students and staff?

 

MBMA asks that students and staff avoid non-essential traveling. In the event that students/staff must travel, they are required to notify MBMA of their travel plan including destination and return date. MBMA asks that after any travel, students and staff quarantine for 10 days and provide a negative test result taken after the 7th day.  “The travel advisories urge against non-essential out-of-state travel, ask people to self-quarantine for 10 days and provide a negative test result taken after the 7th day, after arriving from another state or country and encourage residents to stay local.” 

 

 

Why was my child sent home when he/she has allergies?

 

Due to the heightened state of the pandemic, any child who exhibits symptoms that fall within the range of COVID-19, must be sent home. Please take your child to the doctor, get a COVID-19 test, and a note stating that the child is prone to allergies. This note will be added to the child’s file. The child is allowed to return to school with a negative COVID-test and a doctor’s clearance.

 

 

How long does my child have to stay home if he/she has cold-like symptoms?

 

Your child must be at home 72 hours symptom free without any medication and return with a negative COVID-19 test.

 

Recognize the importance of getting tested for COVID-19 in accordance with County guidance available at: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/community_epidemiology/dc/2019-nCoV/testing.html  and know that testing is available through your healthcare provider or at free community testing sites.