April 9, 2021
Dear HUUSD Families and Staff,
Earlier this week, Governor Scott shared Vermont’s Forward Plan. Thursday afternoon, new guidance was released by the Agency of Education to discuss how schools would move forward with respect to this plan. Beginning 4/9/21, students and staff who are not fully vaccinated (two weeks beyond their last dose of COVID-19 vaccine) and who travel outside of Vermont, must complete a PCR COVID test within 3 days of their return to the state. There is no requirement to quarantine while waiting for the results of the test. You are not required to provide the test results to the school in order to return. You are expected to notify the school nurse in your building or the HUUSD COVID Coordinator (583-8027) if your test results come back positive. Any student or staff member who traveled prior to April 9, must still quarantine under the previous guidelines. We encourage you to review the Vermont Department of Health Travel guidance. International travel guidance does not follow the same protocol. If you plan to travel internationally, please contact your school nurse in advance of travel.
Despite this change in guidance from the state, staying home is still the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick. You should not travel if you are sick or have been around someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Please review this information from the CDC about travel during the COVID-19 pandemic if you are thinking of traveling. Please note that some recommendations are a bit different from the current VDH guidelines. All unvaccinated Vermonters must test within 3 days of return to the state.
If you travel, consider ways to reduce your risk. Continue to wear masks, maintain 6 feet of space between you and others and avoid crowded places. Be sure to wash your hands routinely or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is unavailable. Consider takeout when possible and engage in outdoor activities.
Beginning Monday, April 12, the travel question will be removed from the daily screening process. We ask that you continue to adhere to the Governor’s guidance as we strive to keep our school and community safe.
Thank you,
Brigid Nease
HUUSD Nurse Team