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NEW Rules: Pennsylvania Schools Must Close Once Certain Number Of Covid-19 Cases Are Reported

Pennsylvania's Department of Education last month released a new set of cleaning and closing procedures in the event of new COVID-19 cases and outbreaks in the state's public Kindergarten through 12th grade schools.

Northampton High School

Northampton High School

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The Nov. 23 guidelines say schools with a certain number of cases must go all-remote for a certain period of time, once a specific number of cases are reported.

And it could happen on very short notice.

The guidelines provide advice on contact tracing, cleaning, closures and quarantining. The level of community transmission is considered (low, moderate and substantial) as is the size of the school (small, medium and large).

For example, a small school (500 people or less) with only one case and a low transmission rate does not have to close. 

However, a small school with 5 or more cases in the same building with a substantial transmission rate should close for at least 14 days and considering altering its schedule to decrease cases.

Large schools with 900 or more people, a low transmission rate and between 1 and 5 cases should can stay open as long as cleaning and disinfecting is performed, and close contacts quarantine. Large schools at substantial risk with at least 11 cases should close for at least 14 days and considering altering its schedule to decrease cases.

Click here to see each chart for all school sizes and risk levels.

Schools will work with their county or local health department when responding to cases within a school setting.

Meanwhile, a new website where teachers across the U.S. can report a confirmed COVID-19 case in their school was launched in the fall.

Click here for the regularly-updated spreadsheet showing Pennsylvania schools where cases were reported.

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