South San Francisco, CA August 5, 2021 Submitted by Peter Feng, PIO, SSFUSD
Students of South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) in grades TK-12 will finally be able to return to school for traditional, classroom instruction on August 11.
This is the first time that all students have had the opportunity to return to campus since the district transitioned to distance learning to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on March 16, 2020.
“We are excited to welcome our community back,” said SSFUSD Superintendent Dr. Shawnterra Moore. “However, we still want to take extra precautions to safeguard the health and safety of our students and staff. That is why we are encouraging our families and employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and updating our policies and procedures in response to changing public health conditions.”
Dr. Moore said the district has made several moves to secure the safety and future of its students and employees.
This includes a universal masking policy that requires all students and adults to wear masks in SSFUSD schools and offices.
To optimize air flow and ensure the highest possible air quality, the district’s facilities department has upgraded the HVAC system, and staff will be trained to keep classroom doors and windows open and turn on fans to circulate fresh air.
SSFUSD has also invested in a stable of 30 hospital-grade, mobile disinfection units that harness the power of ultraviolet C (UV-C) rays to sanitize and disinfect entire rooms.
The so-called Arc UV-C machines can eliminate 99.9% of viruses and pathogens like the coronavirus from the air and physical surfaces in as little as seven minutes.
“We are optimistic, but we also want everyone to be safe,” said Dr. Moore. “We have protocols in place that are in alignment with guidance from the California Department of Public Health, San Mateo County Health, and the San Mateo County Pandemic Recovery Framework to help us respond to situations when students or employees become infected with COVID-19 or come into close contact with others who have tested positive.”