Upon entering phase 1B for the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) staff became eligible to receive the vaccine. Demand for the vaccine currently exceeds supply and we do not know how quickly vaccines will become available as phase 1B consists of many people. In collaboration with the Howard County Health Department (HCHD), HCPSS will notify staff when they become eligible to register to receive their first dose of the vaccine. This will be done in four tiers, which consist of:

Yes, HCPSS employees are expected to return to work with or without having been vaccinated.

All HCPSS staff will have an opportunity to receive the vaccine. The planning of the vaccine distribution to HCPSS staff is a coordinated effort between the school system and Howard County Health Department (HCHD) that will continue in the weeks ahead. 

HCPSS School Nurses and Health Assistants have received training on how to administer the vaccine and will support the process to vaccinate our staff and community.

To date, Custodial Services has successfully implemented and maintained daily cleaning and disinfection protocols to support small group instruction, student assessments and daycare programs. Additionally, to minimize the chance of infectious transmission, all custodial staff follow the HCPSS COVID-19 Work Practices guidelines, which emphasize hand washing, social distancing, wearing face coverings, and refraining from sharing equipment and tools. Staff will continue to uphold these enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols as HCPSS transitions to a hybrid learning model. 

The following operational modifications will be in effect when schools reopen in March 2021:

 No. Pregnant staff will have the option of continuing to teach or work virtually. Pregnant staff members are encouraged to discuss individual circumstances with their health care provider, and should request that they complete the ADA accommodation medical questionnaire. 
 
Staff should also complete the return to workplace commitment form (staff login required) by Friday, February 5 to inform HCPSS of their plans.
 

In accordance with the recommendations of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the decision was made by the HCPSS Division of Operations in May 2020 to provide MERV 13 air filters in HVAC units wherever possible and to maximize outdoor air ventilation by verifying proper operation of outdoor air dampers, airside economizers, and exhaust fans. 

There are different social distancing procedures in place depending on the location in and around the building. 

Social Distancing Entering and Exiting the Building

Face masks in HCPSS buildings and/or on school buses are voluntary. Health experts continue to recommend consistent use of well-fitting face masks to reduce the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. A limited supply of masks are available in HCPSS schools and offices.

Please note, anyone who visits a school health room and presents COVID-19 symptoms will be required to wear a face mask.