Prosser School District

COVID-19 Emergency Orders Ending

The Governor’s State of Emergency regarding COVID-19 expired on October 31, 2022.  In preparation, the Department of Health (DOH) has released updated Guidance to Prevent and Respond to COVID-19 in K-12 schools and Childcare Facilities, effective on November 1, 2022. The guidance provides recommended strategies for schools to support the health and safety of their students and staff. 

The main change is that COVID-19 vaccinations will no longer be required for employees and volunteers as of November 1, 2022.

 Prosser School District will continue following these strategies:

• Stay Home When Sick: Students and staff with symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend school or childcare, should stay home, and should test for COVID-19. Follow the DOH What to do if a Person is Symptomatic flowchart. Please follow the regular process for notifying the school of a student illness/absence and the school’s COVID Team will ensure the family is provided the appropriate return-to-school guidance.

• COVID Testing: Households are encouraged to test as needed at home. In Washington state, you can receive free self-tests from the Say Yes! COVID Test program.  The district also offers free COVID-testing for students, staff, and volunteers. Information on the district’s testing program and additional testing resources for families can be found on our COVID-19 information page. 

• Testing Positive: Students, children, or staff who test positive for COVID-19 should follow the DOH What to do if you test positive for COVID-19 guidance, including staying home for at least five days and optional masking upon return. It is recommended that antigen tests be used to determine when to leave isolation and discontinue masking. Please follow the regular process for notifying the school of a student’s illness or absence and the school’s COVID Team will ensure the family is provided with the appropriate return-to-school guidance.

• Masks & PPE: Schools will continue to provide masks, cleaning wipes, and hand sanitizer for use by students and staff as needed/desired. 

• Employment Requirements: PSD will continue following the L&I Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID-19 (wa.gov) regarding COVID-19 in the workplace. 

Thank you for all you do to create safe and healthy spaces for our students and colleagues! Our district and site based COVID teams are here to provide support and answer any questions you may have. Please visit our COVID-19 webpage for the most up-to-date information.