GMSD COVID-19 information

Breaking News

Report any suspected/confirmed cases or pending test results to our COVID hotline at 610-775-1461 x. 7113
Complete Daily Health Screenings before coming to school

The health and safety of the Governor Mifflin School District students and staff remains, as always, the top priority for the organization. The GMSD Leadership Team will continue to take critical steps and make decisions that protect the health and safety of our organization in the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is to collaboratively ensure that you continue to feel safe and secure so together we can successfully navigate into the 2021-2022 school year.

In response to the expiration of statewide mitigation orders, the Organizational Standards and Expectations below outline the protocols we expect of all students and staff members as we transition forward.

Expectations are based on the latest guidance provided by the Governor’s Office, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (PDE), County of Berks Department of Emergency Services (EMS), local healthcare providers, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We will continue to monitor guidelines and recommendations, in order to revise the Organizational Standards and Expectations as appropriate.

As conditions change related to COVID-19, protocols are subject to change. Thank you for your ongoing support and continued commitment to transitioning forward!

Click here to view the Governor Mifflin Exclusion From and Return to School Guidelines

Self-Screen for COVID-19 Symptoms

Stay informed about COVID-19 symptoms and monitor your health prior to reporting to and while at the school/work.

If you are not feeling well, exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (utilize the GMSD Daily Health Screening Tool), or taking fever reducing medication, stay home and/or seek medical attention following the usual procedures for reporting off of school/work.

If you exhibit COVID-19 symptoms while at work/school, please return home and/or seek medical attention following the usual procedures for reporting off of school/work.

If you test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, follow the guidance provided by your health care provider and/or DOH related to isolation/quarantine, contact tracing, and returning to school/work.

Positive students and staff are prohibited from reporting to campus/school for the period designated by a medical provider or DOH.

When made aware of a positive COVID-19 case, the school district will be notifying potential contacts/exposures. The district will coordinate with the DOH in regards to contact tracing and quarantining.

Follow the GM processes and procedures for reporting communicable diseases to report exposure or positive COVID-19 test results to the GM COVID-19 Hotline at 610-775-1461 x. 7113.

Daily Health Screening
If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, do not come to school/work. Symptoms should be closely monitored and if they persist, contact your healthcare provider.

Do you have any one of the following symptoms:
• cough
• shortness of breath
• difficulty breathing
• lack of taste/smell

Do you have two or more of the following symptoms:
• fever of 100.4 or higher
• sore throat
• runny nose/congestion
• chills
• nausea/vomiting
• headache
• diarrhea

In the last 14 days, have you been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who is awaiting test results and presumed positive?

Have you or someone in your home been asked to self quarantine by a federal or local agency, or physician?

Communicable Disease Reporting Procedures

The Pennsylvania DOH considers COVID-19 a communicable disease. As such, it is among DOH’s listing of reportable diseases.

You are required to immediately report a suspected or known case of COVID-19 to the school district. Please contact the GM COVID-19 Hotline at 610-775-1461 x. 7113.
Follow the recommendation of your healthcare provider and report the absence in accordance with standard procedures.
GMSD is required to contact the Pennsylvania DOH and will follow their guidance. Guidance may include the following:
- Disease information
- The distribution of appropriate letters and communications
- Identification of high risk individuals
- Appropriate action and treatment
- Ongoing support and assistance

Practice Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or cough or sneeze into your elbow. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash can and hands should be washed immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Again, hand sanitizer may be used if soap and water are not available.

Increase monitoring to ensure adherence among students.

Face Coverings

LOW

0-9 total new cases

In accordance with CDC guidelines:

the district recommends face coverings for unvaccinated staff when physical distancing is not feasible.
district recommends face coverings for unvaccinated students when physical distancing is not feasible.
masks will be required on all district school buses.

MODERATE

10-49 total new cases

Masks will be required for all students in grades PreK-6.
Masks will be recommended for students in grades 7-12.
Masks will be recommended for all district staff regardless of vaccination status.
Masks will be required on all district school buses.

SUBSTANTIAL/
HIGH

50-100+ total new cases

Universal indoor masking required in all district buildings regardless of vaccination status.
Universal masking required on all district buses and conveyances regardless of vaccination status.

TRANSMISSION RATES IN BERKS COUNTY
(NEW CASES PER 100,000 PEOPLE IN PAST 7 DAYS)

*As changes occur with transmission rates, the district will reevaluate and revise this plan, as necessary, within a two-week period. This ensures movement from categories is stable and protocols are consistent and communicated clearly.

Clean and Disinfect Your Workspace

Ensure your desk/workspace is clean and clear of additional materials to allow for cleaning of surface areas by the custodial staff.

Custodial staff will return to daily/nightly pre-COVID classroom cleaning protocols.

Supplies will be made available if you choose to clean your telephone, computer keyboard, and office doorknob/switches, etc. if applicable, at the end of each workday.

Follow additional cleaning and disinfecting measures/protocols required within your program.

Adhere to appropriate personal protective equipment guidelines.

Maintain Physical Distancing Protocols

Refrain from physical contact (handshakes, high fives, hugs).

Be respectful of other’s personal space.

When gathering in common, shared spaces, maintain physical distancing to the maximum extent possible.

Stay Informed of CDC Guidance Relative to Travel

Adhere to CDC’s guidance relative to travel. When traveling know the rules/regulations of your travel destination

Stay especially vigilant with self- monitoring relative to COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days after travel.

Monitor and comply with state guidelines regarding travel advisories or orders.