As the holiday season draws near, we must acknowledge we are entering a time when families typically entertain out of town visitors or attend large gatherings of loved ones. Consistently wearing masks and resisting the temptation to take part in gatherings that include people outside of your immediate household are efforts we can all make to protect ourselves and our community. Our community health is directly tied to those behaviors in which we engage while not in school. Furthermore, information provided by the CDC has demonstrated how family members and friends can easily spread the virtus during gatherings.

If you do host family members outside of your immediate household and someone visits your home from a state for which Pennsylvania recommends quarantine, your student may attend school as long as that visitor remains symptom-free. We ask that you stay in contact with the visitor for two weeks after they leave your home so you know whether or not they have developed symptoms. If they do develop symptoms your student(s) will need to follow the protocols we have outlined for close contacts in our Community Guide.

Planning for the holidays is a particularly difficult endeavor this year. In an effort to provide assistance the CDC has issued information to help guide your decision-making. If you have questions or concerns regarding the holidays please reach out to your campus director or nurse, they will be glad to provide you with greater clarity regarding staying healthy this holiday season.