The Utah Department of Health recently released K-12 School Recommendations regarding disease control for the upcoming school year. Recent state law (HB1007) prohibits local school board implementation of a mask mandate. The same law authorizes local health departments to enact disease protocols, restrictions, quarantines, Test to Stay procedures, etc. as they impact students, schools, employees, and communities. We will collaborate with the Utah County Health Department as they direct disease control and determine how the guidelines will impact our schools. We appreciate your patience as it is anticipated that there will be adjustments in protocols throughout the year in response to local conditions and data.

The following is a summary of the latest guidelines. Please visit alpineschool.org/returntolearn for continual updates and links to state and local health departments. We hope this information helps as you make decisions and plans that are best for your own family.

Summary of COVID-19 Protocols for Alpine School District

• Feel Sick, Stay Home – Students who have symptoms should stay home from school. Having symptomatic individuals stay home will significantly reduce the spread of the virus and assist us in maintaining healthy school environments.
• COVID-19 Vaccination – Vaccination is not a requirement to enroll in school or join an extracurricular team; however, students who are vaccinated will not be required to participate in a Test to Stay process, isolate, or quarantine in the event of exposure to a person who tests positive for COVID-19.  Parents should talk to their health care provider when making decisions about vaccinating their child.
• Face Masks – Face masks are not mandatory. Although face masks are not required, we highly recommend the use of masks for all students and staff while indoors, especially those who are not vaccinated and/or who have health vulnerabilities. Face masks can only be required by order of our local health department. Families should make their own decision about when and where their child will wear a face mask at school. Be advised that most health officials encourage wearing face masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• COVID-19 Testing
• Isolation and Quarantine – In the event that a student tests positive or is exposed to someone who tests positive COVID-19, the Utah County Health Department will communicate information regarding isolation and quarantine expectations and recommendations.
• Absenteeism – Students who are absent because of illness or quarantine will be assisted by their classroom teachers as they would be in any other normal absentee situation.
• Sanitation and Ventilation – Schools will continue to implement best practices with sanitation, filtration, and ventilation to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
• Hygiene – Students and employees are expected to continue using best hygiene practices (frequent & thorough handwashing, hand sanitizer, etc.)
• COVID-19 Case Counts – As the Utah County Health Department maintains updated case count information, Alpine School District will provide a link to the information through our Return to Learn webpage.
• Online Learning Opportunities — Those students who wish to pursue online learning opportunities in lieu of face-to-face instruction should contact their school administration or counselor for additional information.

In summary, Be “SMART”
Stay home when sick or when waiting for COVID-19 test results
Masks are a personal choice but may prevent sickness and quarantine
Advocate for distancing when possible
Remember good hygiene and sanitation
Talk to your health care provider about vaccination

Throughout the coming school year, we will work continuously with Utah County Health Department officials as they monitor COVID-19 case counts in Alpine School District and will keep you informed of any adjustments to these guidelines.