County metrics
We’ve changed how we report outbreaks in schools. Instead of reporting where outbreaks occur, we’ll report how they occur. Outbreaks and cases will fit into one of the following categories:
- Classroom.
- Sports.
- Transportation.
- Other (non-sports extracurricular activity).
Read more in this Your Reliable Source blog.
Find more information on case counts, hospitalizations, vaccinations and other metrics at tpchd.org/covid19cases.
Updated guidance
On Jan. 26 DOH updated guidance for high-risks sports testing requirements. Athletes only need to test for COVID-19 the day of competition. DOH no longer requires asymptomatic athletes to test 3 times per week. Athletes must practice universal masking during practices and training.
Traveling overnight for a school trip? Use this COVID-19 Guidance for Overnight School Trips to plan and travel safely.
On Jan. 24, DOH updated COVID-19 Symptom Decision Trees for Schools and COVID-19 Contact Tracing Guide and FAQ for K-12 Schools.
Review the Jan. 7 DOH updates in this Snapshot of High-level Changes in the Jan. 7, 2022 Update from OSPI.
Changes to case and contact investigations
Washington Department of Health issued updated guidance to help you prioritize your investigations. Two settings moved from high to low priority for contact tracing:
- Indoor classrooms where students are all masked.
- Indoor meal sites.
For now, you don’t need to send us your lists of close contacts. We will let you know when that changes.
Our contract with AM LLC, the contractor that supported case and contact investigations with several Pierce County School Districts, ended on Jan. 21.
We signed a contract with a new vendor, Medasource. Work began Jan. 24 but it will need time to reach full capacity. Thank you for your patience as Medasource trains staff and learns each district’s needs.
What the Health Department is working on
We met with our joint public and private school workgroup on Thursday, Jan. 20.
Testing resources
Because of widespread testing supply chain issues, DOH temporarily adjusted its distribution process to allocate inventory to schools in a timely fashion. Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) will temporarily serve as the distribution center for schools in the region. DOH will allocate rapid antigen testing supplies on a weekly basis. We expect this model to continue through mid-February. DOH recommends you prioritize testing to facilitate in-person instruction.
Order your free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government. Every home is eligible to receive 4 free tests.
You can also order free at-home COVID-19 tests from Washington State. Supplies are limited so check back often.
Have your students’ share their voices.
University of Washington and OSPI created the COVID-19 Student Survey to collect information about students' thoughts, feelings and behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the survey are helpful for teachers, school leaders, parents and community members.
- Register for the WA COVID-19 Student Survey. The survey is open to students in grades 6 to 12 from Feb. 1-28.
- OSPI will share survey results in April 2022. You can use them to inform school improvement plans, re-engagement plans and other student support programs.
- For more information, visit OSPI’s COVID-19 Student Survey webpage.
- View last year’s survey results by selecting “show filter options” to search by county, student group and question groups.
Vaccine updates
Washington State Board of Health is conducting a survey with parents and caregivers of school-aged children. The Technical Advisory Group will use the info to determine if the state should require COVID-19 vaccine for school or childcare entry.
Pediatric vaccine clinics
Want to help families find pediatric vaccines? Share these upcoming clinics with them. Find other vaccine clinics at tpchd.org/vaxtothefuture.
Spanaway Lutheran Church
Jan. 31, 2-6 p.m.
16001 A St. S., Spanaway, WA 98387
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/2132258403531464
Spanaway United Methodist Church
Feb. 1, 2-6 p.m.
135 163rd St. S., Spanaway, WA 98387
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/213226129542147
Lakewood Presbyterian Church
Feb. 1, 3-7 p.m.
8601 104th St. SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/213407088796163
Asia Pacific Cultural Center
Feb. 3, 2-6 p.m.
4851 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/220175408101139
Eastside Community Center
Feb. 3, 3-7 p.m.
1721 E 56th St., Tacoma, WA 98404
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/220057165437150
People's Center
Feb. 4, 3-7 p.m.
1602 MLK Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/213146201191139
Sumner United Methodist Church
Feb. 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
901 Wood Ave, Sumner, WA 98390
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/213227020872144
Tahoma Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Feb. 5, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
1115 S 56th St., Tacoma WA 98408
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/213485442388160
Sprinker Recreation Facility
Feb. 7, 3-7 p.m.
14824 C St. S., Tacoma WA 98444
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/213147529413150
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