VOL 2, ISSUE 4
26 October 2021The latest updates on COVID-19, testing, and vaccines curated for L2R school districts.
L2R ALERT
Shipping Delays for Two Testing Vendors
Major carriers are experiencing lags in fulfillment timelines, affecting delivery windows for two of our testing vendors: Everlywell (PCR testing kits) and AccessBio CareStart (rapid antigen tests).
Both vendors have confirmed that orders will be fulfilled within 7 and 10 days of order date through the end of the year.
Make sure to place your orders early to account for this extended timeline!
Reach out to your L2R Program Manager with any questions or concerns.
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RESOURCES
We’ve got a tool for that!
Dig in to the L2R Toolbox to explore our implementation guides, communication materials, and logo library.
New tools added this week:
Curative Drive-thru Portal Guide for Testing Administrators
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on workflows with animated GIFs for reference so you and your team can master the Curative online portal.
New and Improved L2R Playbook
This edition is leaner, more focused on testing, and includes an up-to-date menu of tests, updated reporting requirements, and additional resources.
What’s on your resource wish list? Let us know at [email protected].
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#1
Keep Testing Staff Safe by Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- When supervising students as they self-administer sample collection, follow the CDC guidance:
- Use a clean set of gloves when you’re handing the swab to the student to self-swab. Have the student place the swab in the transport media and seal it themselves, unless they need assistance.
- Keep at least 6 feet of distance as it is common for students to cough or sneeze during testing.
- Wear a well-fitting face mask. An N95 mask and eye protection are not necessary.
- When collecting a sample from a student, follow the DOH guidance by wearing an N95 mask or equivalent or higher-level respirator, eye protection, gloves, and a gown.
#2
Vaccine Verification for School Events?
According to Governor Inslee’s Proclamation on Large Event COVID-19 Vaccine Verification, indoor events that do not exceed 1,000 spectators or outdoor events that do not exceed 10,000 spectators do not require vaccine verification. K-12 school events are exempt from the definition of large events that require vaccination verification per the Governor’s proclamation.
Visit the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association FAQ page for more answers to your questions about athletics and other extracurricular activities.
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News round up
Peruse the latest COVID-19 stories
Why kids might be melting down at school
New York Times – October 20, 2021
- While teachers described a variety of new challenges to this school year, the other consistent response is that many kids in their classrooms are socially and emotionally anywhere from 6 to 18 months behind where they are in a normal year.
Instead of quarantine for Covid-exposed students, some schools are trying test-to-stay
CNN – October 19, 2021
- The study led by researchers at the Utah Department of Health estimates that a test-to-stay program implemented at 13 high schools in Utah collectively saved 109,752 days of in-person instruction for students who otherwise wouldn’t have been kept in school.
The U.S. is ready to roll out the COVID vaccine once it's approved for kids age 5-11
NPR – October 20, 2021
- Under the plan, the administration will work with state and local leaders to make the vaccine available at more than 25,000 pediatricians’ offices and primary care sites and 100 children’s hospital systems as well as pharmacies, schools, and community health centers.
As COVID-19 vaccine deadline passes, most Washington state and Seattle workers have gotten their shots
Seattle Times – October 19, 2021
- As the formal deadline for Gov. Jay Inslee’s vaccine mandate came and went Monday, the vast majority of state and Seattle employees subject to the orders had gotten vaccinated.
The FDA authorizes Moderna and J&J COVID vaccine boosters
NPR – October 20, 2021
- In a related decision, the FDA also authorized boosters that differ from the vaccine originally used to immunize a person against COVID-19. So, for instance, a person who got a Johnson & Johnson vaccine could receive one from Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech as a booster.
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SWAB AND JAB / EPISODE 3
The Gang Teaches their Friends about Test-to-Stay!
The Swabs, Jab and Masky give a crash course on the test-to-stay program
