Thanksgiving, Testing, Safety Protocols Reminders From Cambridge Public Schools

“We are writing with a few reminders for all staff as we enter in a holiday season that presents unique challenges.

Employee Assistance Program
Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving
Traveling Requirements
COVID-19 Testing at Schools for In-Person Staff Only
Notification about positive student cases
Reminders to reduce virus transmission”

Sincerely,
Kenneth N. Salim
Superintendent

1. Employee Assistance Program: Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to support you 24/7/365 with confidential assistance around challenges including:

Planning your holidays while working from home
Celebrating the holidays while maintaining social distancing and other safety practices
Coping with anxiety around the holidays and returning to school/work after the holidays
Stress management techniques
Childcare arrangements during school holiday breaks
Managing disappointment and expectations i.e. canceled events, holiday traditions
Helpline: (888) 993-7650 Email: eap@deeroaks.com Web: www.deeroakseap.com

2. A Safe Thanksgiving: The CDC is now recommending that the “safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with. Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu.”

Whether you travel or not, if you are celebrating or gathering with people you don’t live with, consider these key steps:

Minimize group size. While the Massachusetts guidelines require limiting to 10 people indoors, you should consider limiting your gatherings to just the people you live with. It truly is the safest way to celebrate.
Wash your hands with soap and water upon arrival at anyone’s home. Repeat this throughout the day.
Mask up. Research shows that COVID-19 can be spread by talking without a mask. Remember to mask up when you’re not eating or drinking. When you are eating, TRY to minimize talking. Remind each other throughout the day to mask up.
Designate safe seating ahead of time, before your guests arrive, for mealtime and socialtime that keeps everyone six feet apart.
If gathering indoors, improve ventilation by opening windows and doors. If you have an air purifier, especially with a HEPA filter, please use it! OR, ideally
Bundle up and Celebrate outdoors! It’s much safer than indoors. Your family can eat outside or take a walk.
Please take extra precautions around those who may be at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as older adults or those with underlying medical conditions.

3. Traveling Requirements: If you travel to areas affected by the Massachusetts Travel Ban, you must quarantine for 14 days unless you are traveling to a lower-risk state – which currently only includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Hawaii – or have had a negative test taken no longer than 72 hours before your arrival in Massachusetts.

4. COVID-19 Testing at Schools for In-Person Staff Only: This is a reminder that only in-person staff are…