PWCS COVID-19 Decision-Making and Response
In this special edition of The Scoop, we review important information on COVID-19 and how PWCS reviews data daily to inform any operational changes necessary.
Here are some key facts:
- PWCS monitors COVID-19 reporting daily in the community, as well as responding hourly to reported presumed positive or confirmed positive cases of individuals connected to PWCS. These are updated daily on pwcs.edu. Learn more in a brief video on the PWCS COVID-19 Dashboard and health-metrics reporting.
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There have been no COVID-19 outbreaks within any PWCS buildings as of today. There are no PWCS outbreaks listed on the Virginia Department of Health K-12 Outbreaks in School Settings dashboard.
- Similar to a weather event, the School Board has provided authority to the Superintendent to make operational decisions necessary to protect student and staff health, without the need to convene the School Board.
- PWCS works closely with the Prince William Health District to collaborate on case reporting and the most recent health guidance. At this time, PWCS has not received any directive to close a school or the school division from the Virginia Department of Health or Prince William Health District.
- PWCS does not have a set-in stone “number” to refer to. PWCS utilizes a comprehensive decision-making process that we continue to refine based on most recent local, state, and federal guidance. Learn more in a brief video on decision- making in PWCS.
- PWCS uses the CDC Indicators for Dynamic School Decision-Making to assist as one source of data for decision-making. Currently, CDC does not recommend using these core indicators as measures of burden within the school. The secondary indicators may also be used to complement the core indicators and further support actions taken. The list of secondary indicators is illustrative and is not meant to be exhaustive. Learn more in a brief video on data guidance in decision-making.
- PWCS continues to be in the moderate-to-high risk category. PWCS decisions are based on the relevant phase guidance for strategies that may be implemented to mitigate risk within schools.
- Our schools’ ability to mitigate risk and maintain a safe learning environment is one of the most important factors; PWCS remains confident in our ability to implement the key mitigation strategies:
* Consistent and correct use of face coverings
* Social distancing to the largest extent possible
* Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
* Cleaning and disinfection
* Contact tracking in collaboration with local health district
* Voluntary remote learning for students
* Organizing students and staff into small groups (cohorting) who remain together while social distancing, with limited mixing between groups.
- Schools or the Division may be closed if one or more of the following occurs:
• In consultation with the Health District, it is determined that the school is experiencing confirmed, clustered outbreaks of both staff and students that cannot be mitigated with normal protocols. This will vary from situation to situation and may include classrooms, grade levels, or entire schools.
• CDC school metrics and local health metrics indicating that our risk threshold has reached the highest risk and cannot be sufficiently mitigated.
• An inability to provide necessary staff to provide instruction, transportation, or ensure the safety of students.
• An executive order from Governor Northam that calls for a reduction of in-person instruction.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available to all staff. If staff have additional concerns, they are encouraged to speak with their administrator or utilize the systems in place for staff members to reach out to express concerns or receive clarification about the implementation of the health plan or access to PPE: Email healthandsafety@pwcs.edu or contact the anonymous tip line - 703-791-2821 Watch video on PPE distribution in PWCS.
FAQ for PWCS operations during COVID-19 pandemic
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To help answer the many questions we know our parents, students, and staff have, please review the comprehensive, one-stop FAQ webpage.
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COVID-19 Testing
Prince William County Government is offering free COVID-19 testing
 Travel advisory information to know for this holiday season
All members of the PWCS community who are considering travel for an upcoming holiday are asked to read information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about important considerations before deciding to travel over the winter holidays and information from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) about social gatherings and holiday celebrations.
View these five tips to help all students, staff, and family members make informed decisions about their travel plans.
Review of personal protection equipment (PPE) in PWCS Schools
The Office of Risk Management and Security Services (ORMSS) is conducting inspections of schools for compliance regarding COVID-19-related guidance. This office will utilize its administrative coordinators, investigators, and crisis management staff to complete these inspections on a monthly basis. The first inspections are taking place during the week of December 14-18. ORMSS staff will advise each school administrative team on arrival and review findings before departing.
The focus will be on quickly mitigating any concerns. Areas of review include, but are not limited to, the main entrance, main office, clinic, classrooms, restrooms, and hallways. First and foremost, assessments will note the availability of PPE and sanitizer/soap, access to cleaning supplies (Oxivir spray/towels/cloths), and placement and use of plexiglass. The results will be shared with the School Board on a weekly basis.
PWCS continues to work with employees who have medical concerns
Employees with certain underlying medical conditions which place them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, may qualify for an accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Internally, as a method to easily categorize staffing needs when PWCS returned to in-person learning, these staff members were designated as Tier 1 staff.
The PWCS Office of Benefits and Retirement Services continues to conduct interactive meetings with Tier 1 staff members. Most meetings with high school staff will occur this week or the first week after the holiday break. Middle school staff will be scheduled for interactive process meetings the first two weeks in January after the holiday break.
More information can be found here regarding the interactive process.
The value of our school nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic
 In this video, Supervisor of Student Health Services Teresa Polk talks with Director of Communications Services Diana Gulotta about the key role our school nurses play in the safe operations of PWCS during the COVID-19 health crisis.
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