COVID-19 Health Guidance for Schools

The purpose of this document is to provide a summary of the most up to date guidance to Santa Cruz County K-12 educational institutions to assist with planning and facilitation of a safe expansion of in-person instruction. This document is intended to be applicable to all K-12 schools, public or private, throughout Santa Cruz County. The document has been designed to minimize risks to students and staff while maximizing flexibility to teachers, administrators, and support staff to create learning environments that meet the unique needs of students. We recognize that restrictions may be revised and adapted depending on the level of viral transmission in the school and throughout the community, while taking into consideration guidance from state and/or local public health authorities.

Recent Changes Include:

  • Plans to Expand InPerson Services (pg. 13)

  • Additional detail on Face Coverings (pg. 19)

  • Mention of Alcohol Wipes, link to EPA "N" list (pg. 20)

  • School Closures (pg. 27)

  • Updates to Scenarios (pg. 28)

  • Flow Charts (pg. 33-35)

  • Additional Parent Letter (pg. 52)

  • Added Information on AB685 (pg. 40)

  • Added Cal/OSHA Temporary Emergency Standards and Templates (pg. 43)

  • Added Scenario Calendars (pg. 32)

  • Added overview of Governor's Plan for Safe Schools for All (pg. 7)


Impact on Schools of Moving to the Purple Tier

The move to Purple has a significant impact on K-12 schools. School campuses that have already opened for in-person instruction can stay open. School sites that have not already opened for in-person instruction must remain closed until Santa Cruz County has been back in the Red Tier for at least 14 days.

Last updated: February 25, 2021

School Guidelines 10-30-2020