Potential COVID-19 Community Level Change
Dear ECS Families,
The district continues to closely monitor Allegheny County’s COVID-19 community level rate while reviewing our mitigation procedures. With that being said, current Allegheny County data suggest that the county could potentially transition into high community levels in the coming days.
While this change in county levels is only a possibility, ECS is prepared to shift its procedures. In the event that the county moves into a high COVID-19 community level, the following will go into effect immediately district-wide:
ECS will re-enact its closed campus protocols. Outside individuals will not be permitted to enter the buildings, and parents/guardians who are picking up or dropping off their students outside of normal dismissal and arrival times must buzz in and wait for instructions from the office manager.
All indoor gatherings will shift to outdoor events.
Increased outdoor education will be highly encouraged.
ECS also strongly encourages families with students ages 5–11 to talk to their pediatrician and receive the booster vaccination approved by the CDC for use starting today, Friday, May 20.
Finally, the CDC guidelines recommend that individuals who reside in a high COVID-19 community level mask when indoors. If Allegheny County changes to a high community level, ECS will strongly encourage masking in our community but will not require them unless a government-issued indoor mask mandate is implemented. However, masks will be abundantly available for those who wish to use them.
I recognize that the county’s possible transition to a high COVID-19 community level may cause some alarm and may be discouraging with the conclusion of the school year right around the corner. ECS is heartened by the warmer weather and the ability to spend more time outdoors with increased ventilation options as windows can stay open more frequently.
If Allegheny County’s community-level changes, the district will communicate as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued support and flexibility.
Sincerely,
Dr. James Doyle
Chief Operating Officer
