This section summarizes mitigation measures, PPE and related equipment, cleaning protocols, and other safety considerations, in accordance with public health guidance.
Overview of Safety Expectations
Enhanced Health and Safety Measures
Cleaning and Disinfecting
PUHSD recognizes that enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, with a focus on high touch common areas, limit the spread of COVID-19. The District meets or exceeds all guidelines developed by the CDC, CDPH, and Cal/OSHA for cleaning, sanitization and disinfection, and all cleaning and disinfectant products align with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved list.
Custodial staff have been trained on procedures for cleaning and disinfecting to ensure:
- Bathrooms are cleaned, disinfected and stocked with soap throughout the day.
- High touch surfaces such as countertops, door handles, knobs, light switches, handrails and benches are cleaned and disinfected multiple times throughout the day.
- Classrooms and all other areas of the campuses are cleaned and disinfected nightly and include the use of Electrostatic Sprayers.
PUHSD has made disinfectant and disposable towels available in all classrooms for staff who choose to use it on a voluntary basis. Disinfectant wipes are also available.
Antimicrobial Treatment
All classrooms, restrooms, hallways, handrails, common areas and work spaces have been treated with SD Pro Plus, a durable antimicrobial clear coating designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and algae applied through a fogging system.
Hand Washing and Hand Sanitizer
Restrooms will be open and stocked for frequent hand washing. Signage is also posted throughout school campuses to remind students and staff how to properly wash their hands, and to do so frequently. Hand sanitizer is also available in all classrooms and other common areas for students and staff to use throughout the day.
Ventilation
HVAC systems have been serviced and inspected across the district to ensure proper operation and circulation of outside air. Regular cleaning and inspecting of air vents in classrooms and workspaces is included as part of the district’s COVID-19 protocols. CDC guidelines include adjusting HVAC equipment to increase the outdoor/indoor air mixture to pull in more fresh air from the outside. HVAC schedules have been set to run within prescribed hours.
HVAC filters have been inspected and/or upgraded as needed to meet or exceed current requirements. Additionally, all air filters were treated with the same durable antimicrobial coating that was applied to high touch and common areas throughout the district. This was applied with an electrostatic sprayer to further reduce the spread of contaminants. The District follows a regular maintenance schedule for HVAC filter replacement.
Air purifiers have been placed in all classrooms and many common areas. After considerable research and evaluation, the district selected air purifiers with a patented disinfection filtration system technology (DFS) that works in conjunction and to supplement the HVAC ventilation system. Each classroom has 2 compact air purifiers, and large capacity units are provided for larger classrooms and common areas. These air purifiers trap and remove particles as small as 0.007 microns at 99.99% efficiency, which is smaller than the SARS-Cov2 and other enveloped virus particle sizes.
Masking Requirements
On February 28, 2022, Governor Newsom announced that the indoor mask mandate for the K-12 school setting will expire at the end of the day on Friday, March 11, 2022, specifying that while masks are not required in schools, they will be recommended. Beginning Monday, March 14, 2022 masks will not be required in PUHSD schools. However, students and staff may still choose to wear masks on a voluntary basis and in accordance with the public health recommendation. Additional information can be found below: