COVID-19 | The Emery/Weiner School

Update: August 15, 2022

Dear EWS Community,

Unfortunately, COVID continues to be a presence in all our lives. Fortunately, it is far less disruptive to in-person learning than when the pandemic began. Nevertheless, we will continue to adjust our on-campus protocols according to community risk factors and with the guidance of our Medical Advisory Panel (MAP).

Additionally, we are happy to introduce you to Nurse Lindsay Colvin, the newest member of the EWS staff. Lindsay worked for eight years in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Texas Children's Hospital, will work alongside Nurse Connie Hurd, and she will also serve as our Covid Response Coordinator.

Regarding COVID, it is extremely important everyone in the Emery/Weiner community be mindful of best practices to ensure the safety of others. While our vaccination rates remain high in all grade levels and among faculty & staff, we continue to strongly recommend the COVID vaccine, and boosters for those who are eligible. We also expect all community members to adhere to our current protocols listed below:

Anyone who experiences COVID symptoms should be tested for COVID.
Anyone who tests positive should notify our Covid Response Coordinator and remain in isolation for three days from the test result. Lindsay's email: lcolvin@emeryweiner.org
Anyone who tests positive should stay home while they have symptoms and may return to campus no sooner than Day #4, assuming they are fever-free for at least 24 hours.
Upon return, this person must stay masked indoors until 10 days have passed since their symptoms began. They must also eat outdoors at a safe distance from others during the same time period.
Day #0 is defined as the day symptoms begin and/or the day of the positive test result
Please begin wearing a mask on campus if you are exposed to a positive case of COVID. The CDC recommends getting tested five days after exposure, even if you do not develop symptoms. Continue taking precautions through day 10.

Please see below for answers to additional questions you may have regarding COVID protocols at EWS.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

If I test positive for COVID, do I have to provide negative test results before returning to campus?

No.
Do I have to quarantine if I am exposed to a positive case of COVID?

No. You should monitor yourself for symptoms and get tested if any develop. We expect you to test if you have symptoms.
Do I have to wear a mask if I am exposed to a positive case of COVID?

Masks will remain optional on campus unless you are returning from isolation. However, per CDC recommendations, you should begin wearing a mask immediately if you are exposed to a positive case of COVID and test after five days, regardless of symptoms. (Close contact is defined as unmasked within six feet for 15 minutes.) Continue taking precautions through day 10.
Will there be a virtual/remote learning option if I test positive?

No. Students will still be able (and expected) to get assignments from Blackbaud and communicate directly with their teachers, if/when necessary.
Will EWS conduct contact tracing?

No. We are relying on you to notify anyone with whom you've had close contact within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Will EWS require testing or mask-wearing before school trips?

No, unless the venues we visit require them.
When will I be able to participate in sports after testing positive for COVID?

Assuming the student athlete feels well enough and is not experiencing shortness of breath, the student will be able to participate in sports when they return. Masks will be required for indoor sports for up to 10 days from the onset of symptoms.
Do student athletes need a doctor's note to return to play?

No. However, if any student reports symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain during play, our coaches will refer that student athlete to a doctor.
Do campus visitors or sports spectators, student actors or audience members need to wear masks?

No. However, masks are strongly recommended for those in high-risk categories and with compromised immune systems.
How can I find out the number of positive COVID cases within the EWS community?

We will continue publishing our COVID dashboard weekly in the Stella Link.