How do I report my positive results or close contact exposure?

You will report directly to your site administrator via email or phone call. Our reporting protocols follow all HIPAA guidelines and we will release information to public health officials as required.

I heard there was a positive case at my school but I have not received a notice. What do I do?

If there is a confirmed positive case at your school, the case and all groups exposed will be notified. If your group is not listed on the group exposures, your group was not determined to be exposed.

I received a case or close contact letter but the number on the dashboard has not been updated. Why?

SCUSD does not wait to notify close contacts upon the initial report of a positive case. However, we do wait for official confirmation from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department before listing the case on this dashboard. This could result in a delay of cases appearing on this dashboard or a discrepancy between the number of notifications received and the actual number of confirmed cases (when the case is not confirmed positive by public health). 

Where can I find up-to-date information about confirmed cases at SCUSD?

All confirmed COVID-19 incidents related to Santa Clara Unified school sites and offices will be posted to our COVID-19 Tracking Dashboard webpage.

Which contact tracing model is SCUSD using?

SCUSD has implemented the Group-Based Tracing model (the CDPH recommended approach for schools). School sites will send a daily notice with groups listed “who shared the same indoor airspace with someone with COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes within 24 hours.”

Which COVID-19 tests are recommended/accepted?

According to SCCPHD, any FDA-authorized tests approved for home use can now be used to return to school after quarantine or isolation in accordance with CDPH isolation and quarantine recommendations, TK-12 Guidance, and Cal/OSHA guidance (for workers and volunteers). Students are not required to verify tests, unless requested by the school/district and according to the Over-The-Counter Tests LHJ Guidance. 

To diagnose COVID (positive): 

• Antigen accepted
• PCR (PCR required if experiencing COVID-specific symptom of loss of taste or smell)

To exit isolation (negative):

• Antigen recommended
• PCR not recommended

Who needs to quarantine?

Positive cases must isolate. Close contacts do not need to quarantine and may continue unless experiencing symptoms or testing positive. 

Will parents, students, and staff be made aware if someone on campus tests positive for COVID-19?

California Department of Public Health guidance states that schools should document/track incidents of possible exposure and notify local health officials. While maintaining confidentiality as required under FERPA and state and federal law related to privacy of educational and employee records, if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, close contacts and group exposures at school will be identified and notified in accordance with public health department instructions. An "exposure notice" with public health department guidance may be given. 

How do you decide to close a classroom or school?

SCCPHD directs closures. Each scenario has different circumstances. Depending on the situation, a class will be quarantined until cleared to return to school. The teacher will continue to provide lessons via distance learning. The SCCPHD will assist school districts in the process.

What happens in the case that a family member of a student or staff member tests positive?

If it is confirmed that a student or staff member has been in close contact with a positive case, they will follow the public health department guidelines. A student who is self-isolating will work with their teacher to complete coursework from home.

What criteria will be used to close and open schools and districts?

Individual school closure is recommended based on the number of cases, the percentage of the teacher/students/staff that are positive for COVID-19, and following consultation with the Local Health Officer.  The following are the general parameters of when a school closure may occur.

• Individual school closure may be indicated when an outbreak occurs in 25% or more of a classroom  within a 14 day period or when at least 3 outbreaks (3 positive cases are defined as 1 outbreak) have occurred in the school AND more than 5% of the school population is infected
• The Local Health Officer may also determine school closure is warranted for other reasons, including results from public health investigation or other local epidemiological data.

However, after each instance of a positive COVID-19 test, local county public health is contacted and they will advise on school closure on a case-by-case basis.
Schools may typically reopen after 14 days and the following have occurred:

• Cleaning and disinfection
• Public health investigation
• Consultation with the local public health department

A superintendent may close a school district if 25% or more of schools in a district have closed due to COVID-19 within 14 days, and in consultation with the local public health department.

Districts may typically reopen after 14 days, in consultation with the local public health department.

What happens to teaching and learning if an entire classroom or school needs to close?

The teachers and students would transition into an online distance learning model until they can return to the classroom. 

What happens if a student comes to school ill?

A child who is ill and exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will be supervised in a separate area until parents arrive to pick them up.

Will they be required to be tested for COVID-19?

Per public health department, a student or staff member with symptoms will be required to get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible or provide a medical note before returning.

Will students sent home due to COVID-19 exposure move to the independent study program temporarily until it is safe for them to return?

No. These students will not be enrolled into the independent study program. A student who is self-isolating will work with their teacher to complete coursework from home.

What assurances do I have that every precaution will be taken to ensure my child's safety?

SCUSD will follow the CDPH and SCCPHD guidelines and orders to the greatest extent possible to ensure safety for our students and staff.