2021-2022 M-DCPS Back-to-School COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) prioritizes the health and safety of its students and employees above all. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 18 months ago, M-DCPS has made decisions regarding protocols according to science-based guidance from leading health and safety organizations as well as public health and medical experts. As the information available on COVID-19 evolves, the District continues to adjust its policies for the 2021- 2022 school year.

Following recommendations recently issued by the District’s Public Health and Medical Experts Task Force, M-DCPS is implementing a multi-layered approach to address COVID-19 with the following protocols for the upcoming school year:

• Facial coverings are mandatory for all students, employees, volunteers, and visitors while in M-DCPS facilities and on school buses. Students and employees may receive an accommodation for a medically documented need in accordance with federal law.  

• Maximum physical distancing will be observed in classrooms, school buses, and cafeterias. Alternate seating areas for mealtimes will be utilized when possible. 

·         Heightened cleaning and sanitization protocols will continue to be implemented on school buses, campuses, and District offices. 

• Personal hygiene behavior, including frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizing stations, will continue to be encouraged. 

• Improved environmental technology will be implemented in school sites, including enhanced air filtration purifiers, ionization systems, and upgraded A/C units.

• Circulation of outdoor fresh air into our school buildings will be maximized.  

• HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems will run at maximum outside airflow for two hours before and after school buildings are occupied.

• All schools will have a health screening area.  

• The quarantine process will focus on individuals directly impacted by a potential exposure through the consistent maintenance and monitoring of seating charts. This will avoid having to quarantine entire classes or departments, to the extent possible.

• Current quarantine protocols require isolation for 10 days, regardless of COVID-19 test results.  

• Visitor access to school sites will be limited.

• M-DCPS will continue to encourage eligible students and employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and work with community partners to provide vaccination opportunities. 

The District will monitor local conditions on an ongoing basis to reevaluate, and possibly adjust, its current COVID-19 protocols. Working together, with the support of families and the community, we can ensure a successful 2021-2022 school year.

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