Covid-19 Handbook, Return to School 2021

ACS Athens Return to School 2021

Covid-19 Handbook Version 7: October 2021 Compiled by the ACS Athens Crisis Management Team

Table of Contents Version 7: October 2021

1

Return to School 2021-2022

2

Learning & Teaching

3

COVID-19 IMPORTANT INFORMATION

4

References - Important information resources

5

General Hygiene Guidelines

6

How to hand wash

8

How to hand rub

9

How to use masks

10

Resources

11

Know more…

12

View / download PDF file(s)

21

Safety Protocols

22

Protocol for suspected/confirmed cases of covid-19 in theschool

22

SELF-TESTING PROTOCOL & INFORMATION

29

Children with underlying health conditions who should refrain from coming to school and practice virtual learningaccording to the national health organization of Greece 31 Daily Symptoms Screening Questionnaire forQuarantine:

38

Campus Protocols

39

Community Responsibility

45

Cross Country & Sports Fitness Activities ("Active Kids", "Kids Athletics", "Grow up with Sports") Protocol for students (participants) & parents 46 Soccer Protocol for students (participants) & parents

47

Basketball Protocol for students (participants) & parents

48

Volleyball Protocol for students (participants) & parents

49

Archery Protocol for students (participants) & parents

50

Shotokan Karate Protocol for students (participants) & parents

51

Swimming Protocol for students and parents

52

Tennis Protocol for students (participants) & parents

54

Arts Activities

55

FITNESS ROOM PROTOCOL FOR WEIGHT TRAINING CLUBMEMBERS

56

1

Return to School 2021-2022 Welcome to a new academic year! The Covid-19 Pandemic is a worldwide crisis that has brought forth many challenges on every facet of our lives. As we attempt to bring back some kind of normalcy, “business as usual” is not an option at this point in time; it is clear that we now have to conform to a number of changes and “new” beginnings.

At ACS Athens, the safety and wellbeing of our entire community is of primary focus; for this reason, we have established safety/health protocols that apply to all community members, including parents, students, faculty & staff and school partners. In preparation for opening of schools we closely monitor and adhere to regulations by the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY) and the Ministry of Education; furthermore, additional ACS Athens protocols are put in place with the sole purpose of maintaining the highest level of safety for all our stakeholders. Thus, it is very important that everyone follows these protocols at all times.

ACS Athens has a Crisis Management Team which follows the global and local pandemic situation daily; in addition, the team consults with local authorities, health personnel, the US Embassy Regional Security Office and US embassy Health Unit and other professionals, on a regular basis and as needed.

With such a volatile situation, it is important to understand that circumstances may change at any given time; as a result, protocols may be modified and the need for collaboration and collective action becomes a necessity not only for safety, but for ensuring the continuation and excellence of student learning.

Keep in mind that the content of this document will be updated as needed; as matters arise, you will also be receiving specific information from our school principals.

On behalf of the Crisis Management Team, Annie Constantinides, ΜA, MSc, MBA Director of Athletics, Recreational Programs & Theater Operations

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Learning & Teaching We are planning to return to school fully on September 8th with masks required for all students, faculty and staff. When school is in session and there are no government imposed restrictions, all students will be expected to attend classes (face to face instruction), unless excused for medical reasons or reasons outlined by the relevant ministries and National Health organization. Furthermore, ACS Athens is carefully planning to maximize the use of all our learning spaces.

The Crisis Management team has carefully assessed our classrooms and all facilities to ensure adequate ventilation and spacing; all desks will be facing forward in one direction and faculty will be respecting the appropriate physical distancing parameters.

All learning will be delivered in “cohorts” (meaning classroom groups) in the Elementary school and will stay together for the full day; in the Middle School and High School most student classes will function by grade level cohorts.

Depending on current and future health conditions, and following all government directives at any given time, ACS Athens is prepared to provide instruction using hybrid as well as a fully online delivery, which will allow us to support students' learning for those who may be in quarantine.

The continuity of student learning throughout the year is of utmost importance and a primary focus for all of us.

3

COVID-19 IMPORTANT INFORMATION What is Covid-19?

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness symptoms and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.

The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).

Symptoms People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported - ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: • • • • • • • • • • •

Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea

When to seek emergency medical attention Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately: • • • •

Trouble breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion Inability to wake or stay awake 4

•

Bluish lips or face

Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 166 (Emergency Medical Service) or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

Isolation is used to separate people infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID19, from people who are not infected.

People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. At home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick room” or area and using a separate bathroom (if available).

Isolation period for confirmed cases: • • •

At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and At least 72 hours (3 days) with no fever without fever-reducing medication and Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving. (Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation)

If you had severe illness from COVID-19 (you were admitted to a hospital and needed oxygen), your healthcare provider may recommend that you stay in isolation for longer than 10 days after your symptoms first appeared (possibly up to 20 days) and you may need to finish your period of isolation at home.

References - Important information resources • • • •

World Health Organization CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Public Health Organization (NPHO) ECDC(European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control)

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General Hygiene Guidelines It is important to educate children, faculty and staff and parents about simple prevention tips for enhanced personal hygiene as they become very important in taking the necessary precautions. By doing so, others are protected as well and this is equally important.

Basic preventions tips are listed below: • If you experience mild symptoms of respiratory infection (cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat) stay home, self-isolate and seek medical advice.

• If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

• If symptoms become worse or if you are considered high-risk (elderly or people of any age with underlying health conditions e.g. diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, arterial hypertension), you should immediately contact your physician for evaluation.

• If you are under medication, you must comply with your doctors’ advice.

• Strictly avoid contact with people in high-risk groups. If this is not possible, take all personal hygiene measures (wash your hands thoroughly, use a mask or keep a 1.5 meter distance from one another).

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. All children and staff should engage in hand hygiene at the following times: o Arrival to the facility and after breaks o After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing o Before and after preparing food or drinks o Before and after eating or handling food o Before and after using the toilet o After coming in contact with bodily fluid (i.e. sweat) o After handling animals o After playing outdoors or in sand o After handling garbage o Whenever your hands are visibly dirty • Maintain a safe distance (1.5meters) from anyone and others • As of September 13th, 2021 the use of protective face mask is mandatory as you entercampus in all indoor and outdoor areas.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

6

• • • • • • •

Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze; then throw tissue in the trash bin.

Improve airflow and ventilation in classrooms and other areas in your homes by opening windows as much as possible.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects in the classroom and in your homes, as needed.

Do not share personal items, such as pencils, pens, computers and other materials.

Avoid gatherings, social events, and crowded open spaces; always respect social distancing Avoid any unnecessary travels abroad or within the country.

7

How to hand wash Step 1: Wet hands with safe running water.

Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands.

Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands – including backs of hands, between fingers and under nails - for at least 20 seconds.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with running water.

Step 5: Dry hands with a clean, dry cloth, single-use towel as available.

8

How to hand rub Step 1: Apply a palm-full of the product in a cupped hand, covering all surfaces.

Step 2: Rub hands palm to palm.

Step 3: Right palm over left dorsum with interlaced fingers and vice versa.

Step 4: Palm to palm with fingers interlaced.

Step 5: Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked.

Step 6: Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa.

Step 7: Rotational rubbing, backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left palm and vice versa.

Step 8: Once dry, your hands are safe.

9

How to use masks Place the mask carefully, ensuring it covers the mouth and nose, and tie it securely to minimize any gaps between the face and the mask.

• Avoid touching the mask while wearing it.

• Remove the mask using the appropriate technique: do not touch the front of the mask but untie it from behind.

• After removal or whenever a used mask is inadvertently touched, clean hands using an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

• Replace masks as soon as they become damp with a new clean, dry mask.

• Do not re-use single-use masks.

• Discard single-use masks after each use and dispose of them immediately upon removal.

10

Resources Videos • • • • • • • •

How to hand wash How to hand rub How to wear a fabric mask How to wear a medical mask How to protect yourself against COVID-19 Steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 What can you do to fight stigma associated with COVID-19 How to break the chains of transmission

Trusted sources on COVID-19 • • •

World Health Organization CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Public Health Organization (NPHO)

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Know more…

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

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View / download PDF file(s) ➢ Covid-19 | How to protect yourself and others

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Safety Protocols Protocol for suspected/confirmed cases of covid-19 in the school *The guidelines are established by the National Public Health Organization of Greece (EODY)* - *Updated by the National Public Health Organization (NPHO) on 09/12/2021*

PERSON IN CHARGE OF HANDLING COVID-19 CASES @ ACS Athens : The Head Nurse (Ms. Athina Gargali) is assigned to be in charge of handling cases of COVID-19 in the school. If she is not available, the School Nurse (Mr. Konstantinos Kontos) will replace her. The Principals in cooperation with the Health Office will be in charge of the required contact tracing.

COVID-19 CASE(S) MANAGEMENT SUSPECTED CASES a) Students with symptoms compatible to COVID-19 infection.

If a student experiences any symptoms compatible with COVID-19 infection outside of school hours, the parents/guardians must keep the student home, seek medical evaluation and inform the Health Center and Citizenship Office.

If a student experiences any symptoms compatible with COVID-19 infection during school hours, he/she MUST come to the Health Center. The parents will be notified to pick the student up from school. In case he/she needs to stay for a short period of time at school, the student will be requested to wear a medical mask and will be escorted to the assigned room for suspected cases. The Nurse who will supervise the assigned room will be wearing the appropriate protective equipment (medical mask, gloves, face shield and a disposable gown) and the assigned room will be disinfected after the student leaves the school premises.

The parents will be requested to seek medical evaluation immediately. Upon physician’s evaluation, if the symptoms are deemed compatible with COVID-19 infection, the COVID-19 test (rapid or PCR) must be considered a priority and done immediately. It is noted that in this case the self-test is NOT recommended. While waiting for the results, the student should be quarantined at home, in a well-ventilated room. The school will continue to operate as normal. If for any reason, the student does NOT get tested despite the recommendations, he/she MUST not attend school for 10 days since the onset of the symptoms and until 3 fever free days have passed (without the use of fever reducing medication) and his/her symptoms are in remission. For the student to return to school, the existing self-testing procedure must be followed.

If the physician considers the symptoms NOT to be compatible with COVID-19 infection and has a different diagnosis, the student may return to school 24 hours after the fever has subsided 22

(without the use of fever reducing medication) and when the symptoms are in remission or the health issue (not COVID-19 related) is gone. A doctor’s note is not required in order to return to school.

b) Faculty and staff members with symptoms compatible to COVID-19 infection If a faculty member experiences symptoms compatible with a COVID-19 infection outside of school hours, he/she MUST inform the supervisor, the Health Center and stay home.

If a faculty member experiences symptoms compatible with COVID-19 infection during school hours, he/she MUST come to the Health Center, inform the supervisor and leave school.

The staff member(s) will be requested to seek medical evaluation immediately. Upon physician’s evaluation, if the symptoms are deemed compatible with COVID-19 infection, the COVID-19 test (rapid or PCR) must be considered a priority and done immediately.

While waiting for the results, the staff member should be quarantined at home, in a wellventilated room. The school will continue to operate as normal.

CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES (POSITIVE TESTS) – IMMEDIATE ACTIONS The parent/guardian or the faculty member informs the School Nurse, Principal/Supervisor and the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (NPHO/EODY) immediately.

The person in charge of handling COVID-19 cases will inform the families and the appropriate departments and send the tracing lists on the same day (School Task Force, Public Health Office, Civil Protection and Primary/Secondary Education Office).

The public health office will be in communication with EODY (NPHO) in order to start the tracing process and perform a risk assessment in order to make the final decision for a possible grade level closure, if laboratory-confirmed cases are detected in 50% + 1 of its students.

Guidelines for COVID-19 confirmed cases: The student or faculty member MUST leave school and stay isolated at home for at least 10 days. The student/faculty member will isolate at home unless he/she needs to be hospitalized.

During the self-isolation period, the student or faculty member who tested positive must: Refrain from any after school activities or other unnecessary out-of-home movements or having contact with people from outside of their home (i.e. walks, meeting friends etc.)

Strictly avoid any contact with vulnerable people who belong to high risk groups and are susceptible to getting seriously sick.

Take all protective measures during contact with other family members. Remain in a separate room and use a different bathroom (if possible) and must strictly have 1.5 meters distance from one another and all family members must wear masks. Hand hygiene, good ventilation and thorough cleaning with detergent in communal spaces must be practiced for all family members.

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Return to school: individuals with confirmed COVID-19 infection The student/faculty member may return to school 3 days after the fever has subsided (without the use of fever reducing medication) AND at least 10 days after the onset of his/her symptoms AND after the remission of his/her symptoms. In cases where the student/faculty member suffers from a severe illness or is immune suppressed, the required time from the onset of the symptoms can be up to 20 days, depending on the physician’s evaluation.

A second test or a doctor’s note is NOT required in order to return to school.

If the parent or faculty member chooses to have a second test and the student/faculty member is found positive again, the child/faculty member may return to school only if the above-mentioned requirements are met (10 days after the onset of the symptoms, three (3) days fever free without the use of medication and symptoms MUST be in remission). This may happen because the virus can be detected with the molecular test for a long period of time after recovery, regardless of the fact that the person is not considered contagious.

The confirmed case isolation period is connected with the “transmission period”, meaning the time that a person is considered contagious and can transmit the virus to others. For typical COVID-19 cases, a person is considered contagious 48 hours PRIOR to the onset of the symptoms and up to 10 days after that.

Upon completion of the recommended quarantine, the student/faculty member is exempted from the systematic preventative self-testing for students, laboratory testing for faculty members process for six (6) months.

IN CASE THE COVID-19 TEST OF THE SUSPECTED CASE IS NEGATIVE: If the test result is NEGATIVE, the student/faculty member may return to school 24 hours after the fever has subsided, without the use of fever reducing medication and his/her other symptoms are in remission as this is the appropriate period of recovering from common respiratory infections.

A doctor’s note is not required in order to return to school.

WHILE WAITING FOR THE COVID-19 TEST RESULTS: The suspected case remains at home in self-isolation.

Close contacts of the suspected case can come to school under the instruction to closely monitor their health. The class/grade level operates normally.

DEFINITION OF CLOSE CONTACTS of a confirmed case in schools: The key to determine the close contacts of a confirmed case is the transmission period of the virus, meaning the time period consisting of 48 hours PRIOR to the onset of the symptoms and up to 10 days AFTER the onset of the symptoms. Generally, close contacts in school are: a) Students who belong in the same class with the student that was found positive with the virus, during the transmission period (48 hours and up to 10 days after the onset of the symptoms), if they were present in class during the transmission period.

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b) Students who are in a different grade but were in the same class with the student that tested positive for 2 academic hours (90 minutes) in total (not necessarily consecutive) during the transmission period (48 hours and up to 10 days after the onset of the symptoms). c) Students who were in the same class with a teacher for 2 academic hours (90 minutes) in total (not necessarily consecutive) that was found positive with the virus, during the transmission period (48 hours) and teachers who were in the same class with a student for 2 academic hours (90 minutes) in total (not necessarily consecutive) that was found positive with the virus, during the transmission period (48 hours). d) Students, teachers or faculty members who had face to face contact with a confirmed case (during the transmission period), meaning they had contact at a distance less than 1.5 meters, for more than 15 minutes AND without the proper use of a face mask (for one or both of them) 48 hours PRIOR to the onset of the symptoms and 10 days after in an indoor or outdoor space in the school, including recess, physical education or any other activity in school. e) Students, teachers or faculty members who had direct physical contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 (with or without symptoms) during the transmission period. f) Students, teachers or faculty members who had unprotected direct contact with respiratory or other infectious secretions of a confirmed case (with or without symptoms) during the transmission period without taking the appropriate precautionary measures. g) Students or faculty members who during the 48 hours prior to the onset of the symptoms, were transported to or from school together in the same bus, taxi or similar private vehicle.

THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF HANDLING CASES OF COVID-19 AT SCHOOL, MUST IDENTIFY AND RECORD THE NAMES OF ALL THE CLOSE CONTACTS OF A CONFIRMED CASE AS DEFINED BY THE ABOVE DESCRIPTIONS. These students can continue their activities and NOT be placed in quarantine under the following conditions: A. 1. If they are UNVACCINATED students or faculty members, or without a recovery certificate (within the past 6 months), they must do 2 additional laboratory antigen testing rapid tests (which will be provided free of charge in Public Primary Health Centers) in a period of 7 days after their last contact with the confirmed case IN ADDITION to the two mandatory preventive systematic checks (self-tests) for students and laboratory testing for faculty members that are already required. Rapid testing in private facilities, under the financial responsibility of the individual, are also acceptable.

More specifically: •

The day of the last contact with the confirmed case is considered day zero (0).

•

Day zero (0) to day one (1), rapid tests will be performed

•

Days three (3) and five (5), the systematic preventative self- tests for students and rapid tests for faculty will be performed

•

Day seven (7) after the last contact with the confirmed case, rapid tests for students and faculty will be performed 25

All absences for close contacts (students and faculty members) due to laboratory testing will be excused. Close contacts must present a document from the Principal to the health facilities, stating that they are considered close contacts in order to do the diagnostic testing.

Close contacts must carry on them the results of the laboratory tests and the person in charge of handling COVID-19 cases will enter the results in the tracing form.

After the seven (7) day period of systematic testing, ASYMPTOMATIC close contacts with negative test results, return to the systematic self-testing process (2 self-tests per week for students and 2 rapid tests per week for faculty members) A) 2. UNVACCINATED students or students without a RECOVERY CERTIFICATE who are: - in the same class for one academic hour (45 minutes) during the transmission period with a confirmed case and who were transported to or from school together in the same bus, taxi or similar private vehicle AND were sitting near and more specifically: on the next seat of the same desk, in the front of rear desk, in the desk left or right to (if there is one and if the distance between them is smaller than 1.5 meters), on the next seat or the corresponding seat of the front or back row of the confirmed case in the school bus MUST do rapid testing on days zero (0) to one (1) and seven (7), since their last contact with the case as well as to daily self-testing in between the days that the rapid tests are performed More specifically: •

Day zero (0) to day one (1)→rapid test

•

Days two (2), three (3), four (4), five (5) and six (6) → self-tests (five in total)

•

Day seven (7→ rapid test

A) 3. UNVACCINATED students/faculty members or students/faculty members without a recovery certificate, who are close contacts and live in the same house with the confirmed case, due to the continuous and high-risk exposure MUST QUARANTINE FOR 10 DAYS from the last contact with the confirmed case and return to school on the 11th day and if they remain ASYMPTOMATIC and if they have a negative laboratory test result (rapid or PCR) performed on the 10th day. The close contacts will still have to strictly follow the measures of self-protection and closely monitor their health for possible symptoms until the passing of 14 days. If the test is positive the established protocol for the isolation of COVID-19 cases is followed without the requirement of a repeat test.

B) If students/faculty members are FULLY VACCINATED or if they have a RECOVERY CERTIFICATE (within 6 months), they must do two self-tests a week, and more specifically on day zero (0) to day one (1) and one on day seven (7) after the last contact with the confirmed case. After the seven (7) day period of the self- testing have passed and if they remain ASYMPTOMATIC, they are NOT required to do the self-tests anymore.

In both cases mentioned above (unvaccinated or vaccinated/recovered), in case of a positive laboratory test, the student/faculty member is treated as a positive case and the established procedures of isolation and handling of a confirmed COVID-19 case must be followed. In case of a positive self-test, confirmation via laboratory testing is required (rapid or PCR).

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MANAGEMENT OF MULTIPLE COVID-19 CASES IN SCHOOL In cases of two (2) or more confirmed cases within 14 days, the above-mentioned protocols are followed.

In a surge of COVID-19 cases (a surge includes laboratory confirmed cases with epidemiological connection and indications of in-school transmission, within 14 days without indication of out of school transmission), an epidemiological investigation will be conducted by EODY and risk assessment will be done. a) If an epidemiolocal link between the cases is not found, the grade/school/class operates as normal with consistent and systematic implementation of the protective measures. b) If there is an epidemiological link between the confirmed cases and indications of in-school transmission, the main factor to be considered for determining the suspension of operation of the class, is the number of the confirmed cases to be 50% plus 1 of the total of the class population.

EXEMPTION FROM THE SYSTEMATIC PREVENTIVE TESTING (self-tests for students /rapid tests for faculty) Students or faculty members who are laboratory confirmed cases are exempted from the systematic preventive testing for 6 months. It is reminded that in case they develop symptoms compatible with the COVID-19 infection, laboratory testing (rapid or PCR) must be performed.

DIAGNOSTIC MONITORING TABLE FOR SCHOOL CLOSE CONTACTS OF A CONFIRMED CASE Monitoring for school contacts and close contacts (1)

(2)

0-1

Day from the last contact with the confirmed case🡪

>Fully vaccinated or recovery certificate (3)

>Unvaccinated or without recovery (3)

2

3

4

5

6

ST

(4)

7 ST

(4)

•

Students in general close contact (school contacts)

RT

•

Students in closest contact with the confirmed case

RT

•

Teachers/Faculty in close contact

RT

Notes

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ST ST

ST RT

ST ST

ST RT

RT ST

RT RT

(1) “School contacts”: Contacts withing the school. Individuals who live on the same house with the confirmed case must quarantine for 10 days.

(2): “Close contacts”: Contacts who sat near, next to, adjacent or were in very close proximity with the confirmed case.

(3): Fully vaccinated: 14 days of the last dose of the vaccine must have passed.

(4): Recovery: Confirmed COVID-19 infection within the past 6 months.

“ST”: Self- diagnostic antigen testing (self-test).

“RT”: Laboratory antigen testing (rapid test), PCR test is also acceptable.

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SELF-TESTING PROTOCOL & INFORMATION (As of September 12th, 2021) Self-testing (COVID-19) Information Self-testing is a requirement for students in order to enter the school premises as of September 2021. The self-testing must be done up to 24 hours prior to school, twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays at home. All students will be provided with two free self-tests a week from the pharmacy by providing their Greek Social Security Number (AMKA) or temporary AMKA (PAMKA). For underage students, the parents/guardians will receive the free self-test with the students’ Greek Social Security Number (AMKA - PAMKA).

Self-testing procedure: Self-testing is a simple and quick procedure that is also used in other countries in order for schools to operate normally. The self-test is nasal and not nasopharyngeal or oral pharyngeal, the soft end of the swab must be inserted into the nostrils and rotated gently rubbing it along the insides of your nasal passage several times. More information on how to do the test is included in the self-test kits. Please read the instructions in your kit carefully before you take the test as they may vary slightly depending on the model.

Steps to follow: 1. Parents, guardians and students will receive the free self-test along with information material from the pharmacy, using their Greek Social Security Number (AMKA - PAMKA).

2. Students will do self-tests at home. It is recommended that the test is done the same morning or the night before. Therefore, the first test can be done on Monday night or Tuesday morning and the second one can be performed on Thursday night or Friday morning before school.

3. Parents and adult students will submit their results of the self-test through the platform (information ONLY in Greek), in which they will enter with the taxisnet codes, entering specific data, such as father’s name, mother’s name, Greek Social Security Number (AMKA - PAMKA) and the result of the self-test.

In case the self-test is NEGATIVE: 1. For students, a school card (document) will be issued through the platform. Students will carry the school card (document) with them at ALL times. All students must bring it to school on a daily basis. If students ride the bus to come to school, they MUST show their card (document) to the bus monitor (if they do not, they will NOT be allowed to get on the bus). If the student does not use the school bus transportation, they MUST show their card (document) when they enter the school gate (“check in desks” will be set up by grade) every morning.

2. If students have no access to a printer, parents-guardians must fill out the the contact information of the student and parents (AMKA number, student-parent full name, date and signature, type and result of the test) in a paper.

In case the self-test is POSITIVE: 29

1. For students, the positive result will be submitted on the school card through the platform , with which they will be able to go to a public health care facility for a free repeat rapid test. The list of public health facilities can be found here (information in Greek).

3. If the repeat test is positive, the EODY protocol will be followed. If the retest is negative, students will receive a certificate from the test site and return to school.

4. In case of a positive self-test result on a student, the rest of the family members need to stay at home and isolate until the repeated test result comes out.

Clarifications 1. Vaccinated students or students with a recovery certificate (within 6 months) are NOT required to do the self-test twice per week.

2. Unvaccinated faculty members or employees without a recovery certificate (within 6 months) MUST perform two rapid tests at a clinic twice per week, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

3. Guidelines on how to do the self-test can be found here (in Greek) or here (in English).

Please read the instructions in your kit carefully before you take the test as they may vary slightly depending on the model.

4. If a student does not have an AMKA number, the parents must visit the nearest Citizenship Center (KEP) in the area in order to issue a temporary AMKA number (PAMKA). This procedure might take some time.

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Children with underlying health conditions who should refrain from coming to school and practice virtual learning according to the national health organization of Greece *The guidelines are established by the National Public Health Organization of Greece (EODY)* Scientific data regarding the risk children with underlying health conditions face from contracting the new coronavirus are limited as this is a newly discovered virus. The following guidelines might be modified in the future as the knowledge of SARS-Cov-2 infection increases depending on the epidemiological data. In any case, the decision on long-term absenteeism from school, should be made individually with careful weighing of each child's health status by their treating physician and in collaboration with the family.

1. Children receiving chemotherapy for malignancy or after hematopoietic cell transplantation if less than 6 months have passed after the treatment’s completion.

2. Children after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation if less than 12 months have passed.

3. Children after a solid organ transplant if less than 24 months have passed.

4. Children with sickle cell disease.

5. Children with severe congenital or acquired immunodeficiency (HIV and CD4<500).

6. Children under chronic cortisone therapy (prednisolone> 20mg / day).

7. Children with severe chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

8. Children with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease or known cardiomyopathy.

9. Children with chronic and severe lung disease, such as cystic fibrosis with respiratory failure or children with severe and uncontrolled asthma.

10. Children with metabolic or neurologic disorders.

** A doctor's note is required in order to excuse the child's physical absence in the school. *

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IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION Primary Education: mail@dipe-v-ath.att.sch.gr Secondary Education: mail@dide-v-ath.att.sch.gr EODY email: info@eody.gov.gr / info@gscp.gr ΕODY Phone Number: 1135 / 210 5212054 / 210 8899016 Public Health Office, Northern Section of Athens: email for tracing lists and confirmed case report: covid19pevt@patt.gov.gr SCHOOL COOPERATING CLINICS FOR COVID-19 TESTING 1. IASO PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL Phone: 210 -6383-000 Address: Leof. Kifisias 37-39, Marousi ,151 23 2. IAMA HOME Clinic contact information: Phone Number: 210 96 07 600// 698 723 00 77 Address:Leoforos Iasonidou 54b, Elliniko 167 77 ➢ IAMA HOME Clinic can come to your home and perform the PCR COVID-19 test for the price of 60 euros. ➢ At IASO pediatric, you have to visit the Hospital and the price of the PCR test is at 45 euros with the voucher (please contact Ms. Gargali at the Health office for the voucher).

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QUESTIONS FOR EVALUATION TRACKING Questions for evaluation for students/faculty with symptoms compatible with COVID-19 infection: 1. When did the symptoms start?

2. Do you have any other symptom besides…? (i.e. sore throat, cough, chest pain, ha, stomach ache, headache , fatigue, chills , loss of taste and smell) 3. Is someone from your family sick with similar symptoms or has been sick the past 14 days?

Check for siblings in other schools.

4. Did you come in close contact (more than 15 mins and in less than 1.5 meters distance) with someone (friend, relative) with a confirmed COVID-19 infection or with someone who has been sick the past 14 days?

5. Did you or any other member of your family travelled the past 14 days?

6. How do you come to school (bus, metro, car other) 7. Advice parents to monitor health status, self- isolate at home and seek medical evaluation, inform parent that the student will return to school when all symptoms have subsided and is completely healthy—Nurses will follow up with the student/staff Questions to ask the family of the confirmed case: 1. When was the last day the student came to school?

2. When did the symptoms start?

3. Who are the close friends of the student? Did the student spend time after school (i.e. at home) with other students that were in different/same grades?

4. Who did the student have lunch with?

5. Ask student to identify other people (students/faculty) in school that were not in the same class and had close contact within 2 meters and for more than 15 minutes; without wearing the mask properly 6. Does the student take the bus? If yes, ask the bus number and when was the last day that the student rode the bus 7. Does the student have after school activities (basketball, tennis, etc.)? If yes, what was the last day he/she participated? Does the student take the late bus? If yes, ask for the bus number.

8. Does the student share a cab/car with other students? Does he/she walk to/from school with other students? *Passing time: Since it is 12 mins, we ask if the student(s) wore the masks properly, if they did, the other student(s) is not considered a close contact. If the student(s) did not wear masks the right way or not at all, the nurse will check with EODY to determine if they will be defined as close contacts.

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Tracking down suspected cases if test is POSITIVE: Students - Other students that were in the same class - Teachers of the class - Friends that came in contact and weren’t in the same class - Siblings in other schools - Transportation (if the student takes the bus home) - Counselors - OLP (if student goes to OLP) - Psychologist - Administrative staff (principal, attendance, secretary) - Guards - Cleaning crew Teachers/ Staff - Students that the teacher came in contact (were in the same class) - Other students who weren’t in class but came in close contact (more than 15 mins) - Other teachers/ faculty members/administrative staff etc Get contact information of cleaning crew, transportation, guards Inform Ms. Constantinides Annie, Ms. Pelonis Peggy, Ms. Tokatlidou Julia

Definition of close contact for the purpose of the case definition Definition of “close contact” of a confirmed COVID-19 case in school (Updated: 09/12/2021) The key to determine the close contacts of a confirmed case is the transmission period of the virus, meaning the time period consisting of 48 hours PRIOR to the onset of the symptoms and up to 10 days AFTER the onset of the symptoms. Generally, close contacts in school are: a) Students who belong in the same class with the student that was found positive with the virus, during the transmission period (48 hours and up to 10 days after the onset of the symptoms), if they were present in class during the transmission period. b) Students who are in a different grade but were in the same class with the student that tested positive for 2 academic hours (90 minutes) in total (not necessarily consecutive) during the transmission period (48 hours and up to 10 days after the onset of the symptoms). c) Students who were in the same class with a teacher for 2 academic hours (90 minutes) in total (not necessarily consecutive) that was found positive with the virus, during the transmission 34

period (48 hours) and teachers who were in the same class with a student for 2 academic hours (90 minutes) in total (not necessarily consecutive) that was found positive with the virus, during the transmission period (48 hours). d) Students, teachers or faculty members who had face to face contact with a confirmed case (during the transmission period), meaning they had contact at a distance less than 1.5 meters, for more than 15 minutes AND without the proper use of a face mask (for one or both of them) 48 hours PRIOR to the onset of the symptoms and 10 days after in an indoor or outdoor space in the school, including recess, physical education or any other activity in school. e) Students, teachers or faculty members who had direct physical contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 (with or without symptoms) during the transmission period. f) Students, teachers or faculty members who had unprotected direct contact with respiratory or other infectious secretions of a confirmed case (with or without symptoms) during the transmission period without taking the appropriate precautionary measures. g) Students or faculty members who during the 48 hours prior to the onset of the symptoms, were transported to or from school together in the same bus, taxi or similar private vehicle.

THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF HANDLING CASES OF COVID-19 AT SCHOOL, MUST IDENTIFY AND RECORD THE NAMES OF ALL THE CLOSE CONTACTS OF A CONFIRMED CASE AS DEFINED BY THE ABOVE DESCRIPTIONS. CLOSE CONTACTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO QUARANTINE.

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STEP BY STEP ACTIONS - CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASE Once we receive affirmation of a confirmed Covid-19 case, the following actions must be taken: Necessary Action/s

Who is in charge / responsible

1. Determine the Grade of student.

2.

Inform building principal/Crisis Coordinator 3.

Find out the exact date of the positive test 4.

The family of the confirmed case will be contacted for further questions, such as the onset of symptoms in order to assist with contact tracing.

5.

Determine the schedule of classes for the two days prior(48 hours), as per EODY guidelines.

6.

Extract class lists of Covid-19 case; compile ALL the names as they are considered “close contacts” ** we must be able to get information from SKYWARD (assistance of Mary Manos or Vicky Anagnostopoulou or building principals) Separate lists for unvaccinated close contacts and vaccinated close contacts 7.

Check to see if the Covid-19 case takes a bus 8.

IF YES, then we must get from the transportation office: ○ The Seating chart of the bus to determine the close contacts. ○ The attendance sheets of the bus monitor for the two days prior to the actual case date to make sure all students are accounted for. ○ Send close contact lists to the transportation office ○ Send 7-day period testing dates to the transportation office via email.

9.

Check to see if the case is involved with any after school activities; if YES, check the date of the activity and check the attendance of the activity to determine more close contacts.

10.

If the case is involved with an after school activity, check to see if he/she rides a late bus; if yes, check the late bus seating chart and attendance.

11. ○Extract list of teachers; if they have had contact for more than 90 minutes over the two day period, they are considered close contacts; include search for shadow teachers as well. ○ Extract teachers' seating charts and identify closest contacts within an one class of the students sitting directly around the positive case. In front, next to, and behind for 45 mins or more during the 48 hour transmission period. These are added as closest contacts 12.

Check to see if anyone has been absent on the days that we are looking at, so that a student who has been absent is not falsely placed on the close contact list.

13.

Check to see if the student is in the OLP program or any CLOSE contacts are OLP students with Shadow teachers present/absent 36

Nurse / Building Administrative Assistant Nurse Nurse Nurse

School Principal / Building Citizenship Coordinator and / or Vice Principal Citizenship Coordinator and / or Vice Principal / Building Administrative Assistant

Nurse communicates with the Transportation Manager Nurse communicates with the Transportation Manager

Nurse communicates with the Athletic office Administrative Assistant Nurse communicates with the Transportation Manager & Athletic office Administrative Assistant Building Citizenship Coordinator and / or Vice Principal / Building Administrative Assistant communicates with the Nurse

Building Citizenship Coordinator and / or Building Administrative Assistant Principal

14.

Check to see if rain schedule was in place for PE or other classes which changed room locations 15.

Did the student attend a club meeting during lunch? Add club attendees as CLOSE contacts...maybe teacher, too 16.

Once the final list of close contacts is determined, inform / share information with building principals (can communicate with them earlier).

17.

Data needs to be extracted that includes each student’s guardians’ names, emails and phone numbers

18. Emails must be sent to the families of ALL the Close contacts with specific information (guidelines about self-tests and rapid tests)- quarantine is NOT required Different emails with guidelines for unvaccinated and vaccinated close contacts 19. SMS must also be sent to the families - with basic information 20. Once the lists have been made and finalized the following actions must take place: ○ Ms. Gargali informs the offices of Primary/Secondary Education, Public Health office, the school task force and Civil Protection.

• Principal or Citizenship Coordinator gives out a note stating that the unvaccinated student/employee is a close contact in order to do the laboratory test • Student/faculty demonstrates/sends result to the citizenship coordinator for the 7-day period.

The Citizenship coordinator complies the test results and sends them to the Nurse to send it to the authorities 21. In case of a confirmed case, the relevant classrooms / areas must be thoroughly cleaned; full force disinfection will be decided on a case by case situation.

22. In case of a series of Covid-19 cases (50%+1) and / or grade/school closure, the Crisis Management team informs the building principal and the President.

23. The Building Principal sends a message to the community (sample letter available)

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Citizenship Coordinator and/ Principal / Building Administrative Assistant Citizenship Coordinator and / or Vice Principal / Building Administrative Assistant Nurse

Citizenship Coordinator / Principal/ Building administrative assistant School Principal/ Athletic Director(for after school activities)

Citizenship Coordinator / Principal/ Building administrative assistant • Nurse

•

Nurse communicates with Building Citizenship Coordinator and /or Principal

School Principal communicates with Facilities Manager Crisis Management Team members: Annie Constantinides / Julia Tokatlidou Building principals

Daily Symptoms Screening Questionnaire for Quarantine:

Day of monitoring

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

7th

8th

9th

10th

11th

12th

13th

Asymptomatic Low grade fever/ Fever Chills Cough Sore throat Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Headache Body or muscle aches Abdominal pain Nausea and/or vomiting Diarrhea New loss of taste and/ or smell Congestion or runny nose Fatigue/weakness Other, specify:

*This questionnaire is for students/family members who are considered close contacts of a confirmed case and are required to closely monitor their health for 14 days. If symptoms appear during the 14-day quarantine the National Public Health Organization (EODY) and Health Center need to be informed.

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14th

Campus Protocols SAFETY AND CAMPUS POROTOCOLS AND INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS CAMPUS ACCESS - Arrivals & Departures: In the mornings the front gate, Atlantos and the Garitou gates will be open; the Garitou and Atlantos gate will be open from 8:30 am until 9:15 and students will be asked to sign in with the guard. In the afternoon, both gates will open from 3:45 pm until 4:15 only for Middle School and Academy students MORNING DROP OFF (ARRIVALS): Middle School / Academy students will enter campus respecting the appropriate physical distancing. Students using bus transportation, will follow similar guidelines (drop off point, physical distancing when getting on and off the buses).

AFTERNOON PICK UP- DEPARTURE: Our students will be released from classes at staggered times to avoid congestion. Buses will be parked on the South side (as one enters the gate, on the left side) and parent cars will be parked on the north side (as one enters the gate, on the right side, behind the Elementary building). Students of the Elementary School that are being picked up by parents, will be dismissed at 3:30. Students of the Elementary School that take buses will be dismissed at 3:40; Middle School and Academy students will be dismissed from classes last.

CAMPUS ENTRY: Students can enter campus IF:

They are fully vaccinated (for ages 12-17) or they present a certificate of recovery (within the past six months) or by doing 2 self-tests and providing the negative test document (the student self-testing is checked every Tuesday and Friday and the actual tests must be done up to 24 hours prior) MASKS: The use of masks is MANDATORY for students and adults when entering campus in all indoor and outdoor areas. The use of masks is also MANDATORY when using the ACS Athens buses. Students must bring their own masks; the school will have additional masks for use when needed (back up) and ACS Athens cloth masks will be available for purchase.

WATER FOUNTAINS: Students can use the water fountains ONLY to refill their water bottles. They should not drink directly from the nozzle.

LUNCH AND RECESS: Students will be in designated areas during lunch and recess with supervision.

CAFETERIA: The cafeteria will provide a small variety of box lunches that will be available to our students ONLY by PRE-PAYMENT and PRE-ORDER. Vending machines with snacks and water will be placed on campus. Small snacks will also be available for sale CLEANING SERVICES: ACS Athens has increased the cleaning of commonly used surfaces and shared spaces throughout the school day. The same occurs for all classrooms and the entire campus. Hand sanitizer stations that students and adults should use throughout the day are placed in many areas of the school. Students will also be given instructions by faculty in regard to specific cleaning procedures for classrooms (for individual desks).

BUS TRANSPORTATION: Bus contractor will follow all necessary hygiene protocols (disinfecting after each route); masks will be worn by drivers and bus monitors. Students using the bus service must follow the same procedures as all other students entering campus; that is: provide documentation for a full vaccination or providing the certificate of recovery OR the negative self-test document (twice a week).

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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------• If you are not feeling well before school starts, please inform your parents, check your temperature and stay home to monitor your health status.

• If you are not feeling well during the day, you must alert a teacher and go to the Health Office. In case you have symptoms compatible with COVID-19 infection (i.e. fever, cough, fatigue etc.), your parents will be informed immediately to take you home. You must stay at home until you have fully recovered.

If you are considered a close contact of a confirmed case, you are NOT required to quarantine. Intensive COVID-19 testing will take place. For more information, please click here .

• Do not share personal items, such as pencils, pens, computers and other materials.

• Before entering and exiting a classroom you must use hand sanitizer.

• It is highly recommended that all students come to school with their own refillable water bottles.

• Students must enter and exit the classrooms individually (1.5 meters).

• Students should only sit at their designated desk. When leaving the classroom, all students are expected to clean their desks and chairs with wipes (available in rooms).

• When using the staircase, avoid crowding (1.5 meters).

• Students may be excused to use the restroom only one at a time and mist signout prior to departing classroom.

• Practice proper hygiene habits and follow the hygiene rules and guidelines suggested by the World and National Health Organization; additional informative resources are available on the school’s website.

• Students who choose to not follow these guidelines will be requested to leave campus.

Should you have any questions regarding the health protocols, please contact the Health Office.

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SAFETY & CAMPUS PROTOCOLS AND INFORMATION FOR PARENTS CAMPUS ACCESS – Arrivals & Departures: In the mornings, the front gate, Atlantos and the Garitou gates will be open; the Garitou and Atlantos gates will be open from 8:30 am until 9:15 and students will be asked to sign in with the guard. In the afternoon, both gates will open from 3:45 pm until 4:15 only for Middle School and Academy students.

MORNING DROP OFF (ARRIVALS): Parents driving their children to school, must drop off their children towards the end of the parking lot (Frixou gate) and depart immediately. Parents are urged to come to school between 8:30 and 8:55 to avoid congestion. Early Childhood children will be picked up by ACS Athens staff, other Elementary School children will be guided to line up at the Elementary playground area (with physical distancing) and Middle School / High School students will enter campus respecting the appropriate physical distancing and checking in at the appropriate desks. Students using bus transportation, will follow similar guidelines (drop off point, physical distancing when getting on and off the buses) AFTERNOON PICK UP- DEPARTURE: Our students will be released from classes at staggered times to avoid congestion. Buses will be parked on the South side (as one enters the gate, on the left side) and parent cars will be parked on the north side (as one enters the gate, on the right side, behind the Elementary building). Parents coming to pick up their children are asked to enter campus between 3:10 and 3:30 in order to facilitate the departures. Students at the Elementary School that are being picked up by parents, will be dismissed at 3:30. Students of the Elementary School that take buses will be dismissed at 3:40; Middle School and High School students will be dismissed from classes last.

PARENTS AND VISITORS ON CAMPUS: open access to adults (parents and visitors) is restricted. ACS Athens cannot accept walk-ins or unannounced visits. Parent meetings will be done virtually as needed.

Anyone entering on campus MUST submit the visitor’s form and they will be contacted to verify their appointment with the person(s) of interest. For anyone entering our campus, please be aware of the following regarding health and safety on the campus related to COVID-19: •

When entering our campus you must present a digital or hard copy certificate of

vaccination 14 days following the date of the second vaccination in a 2-dose series and 14 days after a single dose vaccine, OR Certificate of recovery (within the past six

months) OR have a negative PCR (up to 72 hours prior) or RAPID test document (up to 28 hours prior).

•

Masks must be worn at all times indoors.

SELF TESTING: According to the government directives, students can enter campus if: They are fully vaccinated (for ages 12-17) or they present a certificate of recovery (within the past six months) or by doing 2 self-tests and providing the negative test document (the student self-testing is checked every Tuesday and Friday and the actual tests must be done up to 24 hours prior) MASKS: The use of masks is MANDATORY for students and adults when entering campus, entering buildings and in all closed areas. They are not mandatory during lunch and Physical education classes.

The use of masks is also MANDATORY when using the ACS Athens buses. Students must bring their own 41

masks; the school will have additional masks for use when needed (back up) and ACS Athens cloth masks will be available for purchase.

LUNCH AND RECESS: Students will be in designated areas during lunch and recess with supervision; designated outdoor areas grade areas will be available for Middle School and High School students.

CAFETERIA: The cafeteria will provide a small variety of box lunches that will be available to our students ONLY by PRE-PAYMENT and PRE-ORDER. Vending machines with snacks and water will be placed on campus. Small snacks will also be available for sale.

CLEANING SERVICES: ACS Athens has increased the cleaning of commonly used surfaces and shared spaces throughout the school day. The same occurs for all classrooms and the entire campus. Hand sanitizer stations that students and adults should use throughout the day are placed in many areas of the school. Students will also be given instructions by faculty in regards to specific cleaning procedures for classrooms (for individual desks).

BUS TRANSPORTATION: Bus contractor will follow all necessary hygiene protocols (disinfecting after each route); masks will be worn by drivers and bus monitors. Students using the bus service must follow the same procedures as all other students entering campus; that is: provide documentation for a full vaccination or providing the certificate of recovery OR the negative self-test document (twice a week).

---------------------------------------• It is imperative that parents / guardians keep the children home if sick with any illness and consult with their physician. Please inform the Health Office and the Attendance Officer of the specific school building, if your child stays home.

• If your child experiences any flu like symptoms during school hours (fever, cough etc), he/she will be sent home. The family will be requested to seek medical evaluation and report back to the Health Office.

•

Close contacts in school are NOT required to quarantine. Intensive covid-19 testing will take place for close contacts in school. For more information, please click here . (COVID-19 updated protocol)

• •

It is highly recommended that all students come to school with their own refillable water bottles Remind your children to avoid sharing personal items, such as pencils, pens, computers and other materials Encourage your child to follow to practice proper hygiene habits at all times.

•

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SAFETY & CAMPUS PROTOCOLS AND INFORMATION FOR FACULTY & STAFF CAMPUS ACCESS - Arrivals & Departures: In the mornings the front gate and the Garitou gates will be open; the Garitou gate will be open from 8:30 am until 9:15 and faculty, staff and students will be asked to sign in with the guard. In the afternoon, the Garitou gate will open from 3:45 pm until 4:15. The Atlantos gate will NOT be open.

MORNING DROP OFF (ARRIVALS): Middle School / Academy students will enter campus respecting the appropriate physical distancing. Students using bus transportation, will follow similar guidelines (drop off point, physical distancing when getting on and off the buses).There will be designated spots outside the gates where students will be asked to stand while waiting to avoid congestion.

AFTERNOON PICK UP- DEPARTURE: Our students will be released from classes at staggered times to avoid congestion. Buses will be parked on the South side (as one enters the gate, on the left side) and parent cars will be parked on the north side (as one enters the gate, on the right side, behind the Elementary building). Students of the Elementary School that are being picked up by parents, will be dismissed at 3:35. Students of the Elementary School that take buses will be dismissed at 3:40; Middle School and Academy students will be dismissed from classes last.

PARENTS AND VISITORS ON CAMPUS: We will begin the school year by restricting open access to adults; parent meetings will be done virtually as needed.

Should there be a specific request that would require physical presence on campus (masks and appropriate distance needed), parents must send an email to the respective offices and wait for approval and a possible date.

MASKS: As of September 13th, 2021, the use of masks is MANDATORY for students and adults when entering campus in all indoor and outdoor areas. They are not mandatory during lunch and Physical education classes. The use of masks is also MANDATORY when using the ACS Athens buses. Students must bring their own masks; the school will have additional masks for use when needed (back up) and ACS Athens cloth masks will be available for purchase.

LUNCH AND RECESS: Students will be in designated areas during lunch and recess with supervision; in the Elementary school, students will eat in their classrooms. Designated outdoor areas grade areas will be available for Middle School and Academy students.

CAFETERIA: The cafeteria will provide a small variety of box lunches that will be available to our students ONLY by PRE-PAYMENT and PRE-ORDER. Payments on site (cashiers) will not be available.Detailed information will be provided at a later time. Vending machines with snacks and water will be placed on campus LOCKERS: Lockers will be assigned to Middle School and Academy students; they can be used only before school, during lunch and after school. On both occasions, appropriate distances between students must be respected.

CLEANING SERVICES: ACS Athens has increased the cleaning of commonly used surfaces and shared spaces throughout the school day. The same occurs for all classrooms and the entire campus. Hand sanitizer stations that students and adults should use throughout the day are placed in many areas of the school. Students will also be given instructions by faculty in regards to specific cleaning procedures for classrooms (for individual desks).

• Faculty members and staff should stay home if they experience cold and flu symptoms or any other symptoms that might indicate an illness.

• Please inform your students that they should stay at home if they are feeling sick.

• Make sure students enter and exit your classroom respecting the social 43 distancing rules (1.5 meters).

• Students may be excused to use the restroom only one at a time and must signout prior to departing the classroom.

• When students enter the classroom, they MUST use hand sanitizer.

• Please read and practice the proper hygiene habits listed in the general information sheet (additional informative resources are available on the school’s website) and make sure to review all of the resources shared with you. You are kindly asked to discuss with your student the basic and important hygiene habits and protocols. If you have any questions you may contact the Health Center and the Crisis Management Team (Ms. Annie Constantinides).

• Please promote information sharing about Covid-19 and address mental health and psycho-emotional support needs for your students. Should they need assistance, please refer them to the appropriate professionals (Counseling Office, Nurse, School Psychologist).

• Students must clean their workspace (desk, chair and any other surface they may touch) with sanitized wipes that will be provided by the school before leaving the classroom.

• Please inform your students that it is imperative NOT to share any personal items such as pencils, pens, books, calculators, etc.

• Please make sure to enter skyward attendance promptly.

• All classrooms and offices should maintain good indoor ventilation. Weather permitting, windows and doors should remain open for fresh air. Do not use ceiling fans. If you use air conditioning make sure to have all classroom window opened.

• Classrooms must be dismissed in a staggered manner.

• If a student in your class is not feeling well, please send him/her directly to the Health Center. Please avoid sending students to the Health Center for minor incidents, i.e. minor cuts and scrapes, mosquito bites etc. State the reason of the visit (via softros or email) before you send the student.

• Faculty members who are not feeling well during the day must go to the Health Office. In case of fever, cough or trouble breathing, you must stay at home until you have fully recovered.

• If you or a family member has been in close contact with a suspected case of COVID-19, they should remain at home and self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor symptoms, unless they take the test. You can return to school if and the test is negative and you are symptom-free. A doctor's note or a copy of the negative test is required.

• If you or a family member, come into close contact with a confirmed case of the virus you should self-isolate for 14 days. If you choose to take the test and the test is negative the quarantine may end but as a school we will need a copy of the negative test or a doctor's clearance. If you don't do the test, the quarantine period is 14 days.

• Before entering and exiting a classroom you must use hand sanitizer.

• Please note that if a student chooses to not follow these guidelines he/she must leave campus immediately.

Should you have any questions regarding the health protocols, please contact the Health Office.

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Community Responsibility It is important for the entire ACS Athens community to follow the health protocols and guidelines that are in place; every member of our community, parents, students, faculty& staff, and partners must be committed to do “their part” in this collective effort.

Therefore, it is expected that: •

• •

• •

•

Parents / guardians will monitor their temperature and the temperature of their children along with any COVID-19 symptoms daily and report any concerns to theSchool Nurse.

Parents/Guardians are highly recommended to keep their child(ren) home even withmild cold symptoms.

As of September 13th 2021, parents / guardians and students are expected to wearmasks when entering campus in all indoor and outdoor areas.

Parents/guardians and students will practice best practices in terms of personalhygiene (hand washing, using sanitizer gels as needed, etc).

Parents/guardians will be providing travel information as needed to the school andbe proactive with any quarantine / testing requirements established by the health authorities.

Parents / guardians and students will collaborate and follow all protocols andprocesses in place in order to ensure the health safety of our community.

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Cross Country & Sports Fitness Activities ("Active Kids", "Kids Athletics", "Grow up with Sports") Protocol for students (participants) & parents •

WAITING / MEETING AREAS: Students in grades JK - KG will be picked up by the coach from their classrooms. All students in grades 1-5, must meet at the Outdoor Volleyball Court (Respective Grade Signs) and wait for their coach. In case of rain, Elementary students must go outside the Administration Building (Respective Grade Signs) and meet their coach. Student - Athletes must meet their coach(es) directly at the practice area / meeting point.

• PHYSICAL DISTANCING must be adhered to at all times. IF for whatever reason, physical distancing is not possible, masks must be worn. Masks must be worn when waiting in all areas.

Students will be separated in different and consistent groups during practice.

• WASHING / SANITIZING HANDS: Sanitizing gels will be available for use by the children (near their areas).

• STUDENTS’ BAGS / OTHER BAGS: All bags must be placed at designated sections and far apart to avoid congestion.

• STUDENTS MUST BRING THEIR OWN WATER BOTTLE - they can be refilled at a nearby water fountain.

• DON’T SHARE any items, such as water bottles or any other personal items.

• Any and all equipment used for the drills must be placed and moved ONLY by the instructor / coach.

• NO ONE (participants/coaches) will be allowed to participate in practice sessions if he/she has ANY symptoms / signs of illness.

• ATTENDANCE will be taken every day and must be provided to the Athletic Office at the end of each session (daily basis).

• UPDATED PHYSICALS (after June 1st) must be filed with our nurse’s office for all participants.

• PICK UP by parents: ALL parents must wait for their children at the parking lot (according to school policy, parents and guests are not allowed to enter the campus); children will be escorted to the parking lot by their coach. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL PARENTS ARE AT THE PARKING LOT ON TIME. • ONLINE REGISTRATION AND WAIVER FORM for injuries and COVID-19 must be submitted prior to the first day of activity. *Hurdles, cones and other sport related equipment will be disinfected at the end of each session.

Instructors will wear masks when close to students.

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Soccer Protocol for students (participants) & parents •

WAITING / MEETING AREAS: All students in grades 1-5, must meet at the Outdoor Volleyball Court (Respective Grade Signs) and wait for their coach. In case of rain, Elementary students must go outside the Administration Building (Respective Grade Signs) and meet their coach. Student - Athletes must meet their coach(es) directly at the practice area / meeting point.

• PHYSICAL DISTANCING must be adhered to at all times. IF for whatever reason, physical distancing is not possible, masks must be worn. Masks must be worn when waiting in all areas.

Students will be separated in different and consistent groups during practice.

• Students will be separated in different and consistent groups during practice based on their grade level.

• WASHING / SANITIZING HANDS: Sanitizing gels will be available for use by the children.

• STUDENTS’ BAGS / OTHER BAGS: All bags must be placed at designated sections and far apart to avoid congestion (signs will be placed).

• STUDENTS MUST BRING THEIR OWN WATER BOTTLE - they can be refilled at water fountains.

• DON’T SHARE any items, such as water bottles or any other personal items.

• COLORED PINNIES will be given to all participants. They must be returned to the office at the end of the entire program. These will be washed every time after each session.

• AVOID ANY handshakes, any form of celebration (hugging, “high Fives” etc).

• NO ONE (participants/coaches) will be allowed to participate in practice sessions if he/she hasANY symptoms / signs of illness.

• ATTENDANCE will be taken every day and must be provided to the Athletic Office at the end of each session (daily basis).

• UPDATED PHYSICALS (after June 1st) must be filed with our nurse’s office for all participants.

• PICK UP by parents: ALL parents must wait for their children at the parking lot (according to school policy, parents and guests are not allowed to enter the campus); children will be escorted to the parking lot by their coach. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL PARENTS ARE AT THE PARKING LOT ON TIME. • ONLINE REGISTRATION AND WAIVER FORM for injuries, COVID-19 must be submitted prior to the first day of activity. *Soccer balls, and other sport related equipment will be disinfected at the end of each session.

Instructors will wear masks when close to students.

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Basketball Protocol for students (participants) & parents •

WAITING / MEETING AREAS: All students in grades 1 -5 must meet at the Outdoor Volleyball Court (Respective Grade Signs) and wait for their coach. Middle School students must meet at the outdoor basketball court in front of the Middle School. In case of rain, Elementary students must go outside the Administration Building (Respective Grade Signs) and meet their coach. Middle School students must go to the area in front of the Administration Building (Picnic Tables) and meet their coach. Student - Athletes must meet their coach(es) directly at the practice area / meeting point.

• PHYSICAL DISTANCING must be adhered to at all times. IF for whatever reason, physical distancing is not possible, masks must be worn. Masks must be worn when waiting in all areas.

Students will be separated in different and consistent groups during practice.

• Students will be separated in different and consistent groups during practice based on their grade level.

• WASHING / SANITIZING HANDS: Sanitizing gels will be available for use by the children.

• STUDENTS’ BAGS / OTHER BAGS: All bags must be placed at designated sections and far apart to avoid congestion (signs will be placed).

• STUDENTS MUST BRING THEIR OWN WATER BOTTLE - they can be refilled at a nearby water fountain.

• DON’T SHARE any items, such as water bottles or any other personal items.

• COLORED PINNIES will be given to all participants. They must be returned to the office at the end of the entire program. These will be washed every time after each session.

• AVOID ANY handshakes, any form of celebration (hugging, “high Fives” etc).

• NO ONE (participants/coaches) will be allowed to participate in practice sessions if he/she has ANY symptoms / signs of illness.

• ATTENDANCE will be taken every day and must be provided to the Athletic Office at the end of each session (daily basis).

• UPDATED PHYSICALS (after June 1st) must be filed with our nurse’s office for all participants.

• PICK UP by parents: ALL parents must wait for their children at the parking lot (according to school policy, parents and guests are not allowed to enter the campus); children will be escorted to the parking lot by their coach. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL PARENTS ARE AT THE PARKING LOT ON TIME. Middle School students will leave the area on their own.

• ONLINE REGISTRATION AND WAIVER FORM for injuries, COVID-19 must be submitted prior to the first day of activity. *Basketballs, cones and other sport related equipment will be disinfected at the end of each session.

Instructors will wear masks when close to students.

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Volleyball Protocol for students (participants) & parents •

WAITING / MEETING AREAS: All students in grades 3 -5 must meet at the Outdoor Volleyball Court (Respective Grade Signs) and wait for their coach. In case of rain, students must go outside the Administration Building (Respective Grade Signs) and meet their coach. Student - Athletes must meet their coach(es) directly at the practice area / meeting point.

• PHYSICAL DISTANCING must be adhered to at all times. IF for whatever reason, physical distancing is not possible, masks must be worn. Masks must be worn when waiting in all areas.

Students will be separated in different and consistent groups during practice.

• WASHING / SANITIZING HANDS: Sanitizing gels will be available for use by the children.

• STUDENTS’ BAGS / OTHER BAGS: All bags must be placed at designated sections and far apart to avoid congestion.

• STUDENTS MUST BRING THEIR OWN WATER BOTTLE - they can be refilled at a nearby water fountain.

• DON’T SHARE any items, such as water bottles or any other personal items.

• COLORED PINNIES will be given to all participants. They must be returned to the office at the end of the entire program. These will be washed every time after each session.

• AVOID ANY handshakes, any form of celebration (hugging, “high Fives” etc).

• Instructors will wear masks when close to students. symptoms / signs of illness.

• ATTENDANCE will be taken every day and must be provided to the Athletic Office at the end of each session (daily basis).

• UPDATED PHYSICALS (after June 1st) must be filed with our nurse’s office for all participants.

• PICK UP by parents: ALL parents must wait for their children at the parking lot (according to school policy, parents and guests are not allowed to enter the campus); children will be escorted to the parking lot by their coach. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL PARENTS ARE AT THE PARKING LOT ON TIME. Middle School students will leave the area on their own.

• ONLINE REGISTRATION AND WAIVER FORM for injuries, COVID-19 must be submitted prior to the first day of activity. *Volleyballs, cones and other sport related equipment will be disinfected at the end of each session.

Instructors will wear masks when close to students.

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Archery Protocol for students (participants) & parents •

WAITING / MEETING AREAS: All students in grades 1 -5 must meet at the Outdoor Volleyball Court (Respective Grade Signs) and wait for their coach. Middle School students must meet at the outdoor basketball court in front of the Middle School. In case of rain, Elementary students must go outside the Administration Building (Respective Grade Signs) and meet their coach. Middle School students must go to the area in front of the Administration Building (Picnic Tables) and meet their coach.

• PHYSICAL DISTANCING must be adhered to at all times. IF for whatever reason, physical distancing is not possible, masks must be worn. Masks must be worn when waiting in all areas.

Students will be separated in different and consistent groups during practice.

• Students will be separated in different and consistent groups during practice based on their grade level.

• WASHING / SANITIZING HANDS: Sanitizing gels will be available for use by the children.

• STUDENTS’ BAGS / OTHER BAGS: All bags must be placed at designated sections and far apart to avoid congestion (signs will be placed).

• STUDENTS MUST BRING THEIR OWN WATER BOTTLE - they can be refilled at a nearby water fountain.

• DON’T SHARE any items, such as water bottles or any other personal items.

• INDIVIDUAL BOWS AND ARROWS will be provided to all participants; during breaks, each participant will place his/her bow and arrows at a specific spot so that he/she uses the same equipment after the break.

• Instructors will wear masks when close to students.

• NO ONE (participants/coaches) will be allowed to participate in practice sessions if he/she has ANY symptoms / signs of illness.

• ATTENDANCE will be taken every day and must be provided to the Athletic Office at the end of each session (daily basis).

• UPDATED PHYSICALS (after June 1st) must be filed with our nurse’s office for all participants.

• PICK UP by parents: ALL parents must wait for their children at the parking lot (according to school policy, parents and guests are not allowed to enter the campus); children will be escorted to the parking lot by their coach. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL PARENTS ARE AT THE PARKING LOT ON TIME. Middle School students will leave the area on their own.

• ONLINE REGISTRATION AND WAIVER FORM for injuries, COVID-19 must be submitted prior to the first day of activity. *Bows, Arrows, Cones and other related equipment will be disinfected at the end of each session.

Instructors will wear masks when close to students.

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Shotokan Karate Protocol for students (participants) & parents •

WAITING / MEETING AREAS: All students in grades 1-5 must meet at the Outdoor Volleyball Court (Respective Grade Signs) and wait for their coach. Middle School students must meet at the outdoor basketball court in front of the Middle School. In case of rain, Elementary students must go outside the Administration Building (Respective Grade Signs) and meet their coach. Middle School students must go to the area in front of the Administration Building (Picnic Tables) and meet their coach.

• PHYSICAL DISTANCING must be adhered to at all times. IF for whatever reason, physical distancing is not possible, masks must be worn. Masks must be worn when waiting in all areas.

Students will be separated in different and consistent groups during practice.

• Students will be separated in different and consistent groups during practice based on their grade level.

• WASHING / SANITIZING HANDS: Sanitizing gels will be available for use by the children.

• STUDENTS’ BAGS / OTHER BAGS: All bags must be placed at designated sections and far apart to avoid congestion (signs will be placed).

• STUDENTS MUST BRING THEIR OWN WATER BOTTLE - they can be refilled at a nearby water fountain.

• STUDENTS MUST wear sport shoes during the activity.

• DON’T SHARE any items, such as water bottles or any other personal items.

• Any and all equipment used must be placed and moved ONLY by the instructor / coach.

• NO ONE (participants/coaches) will be allowed to participate in practice sessions if he/she hasANY symptoms / signs of illness.

• ATTENDANCE will be taken every day and must be provided to the Athletic Office at the end of each session (daily basis).

• UPDATED PHYSICALS (after June 1st) must be filed with our nurse’s office for all participants.

• PICK UP by parents: ALL parents must wait for their children at the parking lot (according to school policy, parents and guests are not allowed to enter the campus); Elementary school students will be escorted to the parking lot by their coach. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL PARENTS ARE AT THE PARKING LOT ON TIME. • ONLINE REGISTRATION AND WAIVER FORM for injuries and COVID-19 must be submitted prior to first day of activity. *Any sport related equipment will be disinfected at the end of each session.

Instructors will wear masks when close to students.

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Swimming Protocol for students and parents •

•

•

• • • • • •

• • • •

• • •

• • •

WASHING / SANITIZING HANDS – Students MUST wash their hands (with soap and water for at least 20sec) or use hand sanitizer whenever they enter the pool locker rooms and before they exit the locker rooms.

SOCIAL DISTANCING: Students, instructors and staff MUST follow social distancing guidelines by staying at least 1.5m away from others when using the pool facilities (swimming pool locker rooms, pool deck and bleachers).

MASKS are mandatory in the locker rooms and when students are waiting on the bleachers; instructors and staff will be wearing masks AT ALL TIMES; masks will NOT be used when students have their actual lesson.

Students MUST comply with maximum capacity in each locker room. For all our pool locker rooms (boys and girls). MAXIMUM CAPACITY is 5 STUDENTS at a time.

The LOCKER ROOMS are used only as: a. a changing area b. restroom (no more than two people at a time).

Students in grades 1-5 who signed for the swimming program MUST be able to change out and dress themselves.

Swimming instructors and an aide will be monitoring and supervising the locker rooms while students are changing out.

Students will have 5min to change into their bathing suit and exit the room with all their belongings.

Individual lockers cannot be used. No items should be stored in the lockers. Students must take their belongings (swimming bags/shoes/personal equipment) out of the locker rooms– all bags will be taken out in a designated area (swimming pool bleachers). A plastic bag is required in order to put their shoes on.

The locker rooms would be cleaned and disinfected after every use (groups).

Students are not allowed to SHARE any items, such as towels, goggles, swimming caps, hair brush, etc.

Students will take a quick shower before they get in the water.

All students should wear flip flops (hygiene safety). Street shoes are NOT allowed anywhere around the pool. Students need to step with their flip flops in the small sanitized pool before entering the pool deck.

Swimmers will wait for their swim session on the pool deck (the assigned waiting area for the pool).

The number of students swimming per lane is 6. Maximum number of people in our facility is 35 (30 swimmers and 5 instructors).

Adequate equipment for swimmers (kickboards, noodles, pull buoys) will be available to minimize sharing to the extent possible or limiting use of the equipment by one group of users.

Common equipment (noodles, kick boards, pull buoys) will be cleaned and disinfectedafter use every day.

Students can bring their own swimming equipment (swimming net/kickboard/pull buoy/fins) if they wish.

All doors and windows will remain open for fresh air.

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•

• • • •

At the end of the swimming session instructors will release students by groups. The students will get their bags from the bleachers and will have 5 min to change out inside the locker rooms. When they return home it is recommended to take a full shower (with soap and shampoo).

HAIR DRYERS will not be used. All students MUST have a hat or a beanie.

Posters and signs with the swimming guidelines will be placed in highly visible locations (at deck entrance, at sinks, etc).

A swimming instructor will escort the young age groups (at 5 o’clock) at the gate so the parents can pick them up.

We recommend that participants have a hat/ beanie, socks and a jacket to wear after practice, especially when the cold weather begins.

Instructors will wear masks when close to students.

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Tennis Protocol for students (participants) & parents •

WAITING / MEETING AREAS: JK & KG students will be picked up from their classrooms by one of the coaches and taken to the courts. Students in other elementary grades must come to the designated points, labeled by signs, at the tennis office. In case of rain, all Elementary students must go to the Elementary School Gym directly and wait for their coaches. Middle School & Academy Students must report directly to the tennis courts / and or other predetermined indoor area which will be communicated by their coaches.

• PHYSICAL DISTANCING must be adhered to at all times. IF for whatever reason, physical distancing is not possible, masks must be worn. Masks must be worn when waiting in all areas.

• ENTRANCE into the tennis courts must be staggered (one at a time) and one specific door used (the one closest to soccer field).

• EXIT: participants must exit in a staggered manner from the door close to the outdoor amphitheater.

• TEACHING/COACHING GROUPS: Children will be placed in consistent groups according to grade and skill level.

• WASHING / SANITIZING HANDS - All children will be asked to use hand sanitizing gels as they enter and exit the courts.

• TENNIS BAGS / OTHER BAGS: all bags must be placed at designated sections and far apart to avoid congestion.

• STUDENTS MUST BRING THEIR OWN WATER BOTTLE – they can be refilled at a nearby water fountain.

• DON’T SHARE any items, such as towels, water bottles, rackets etc.

• NO ONE (participants/ coaches) enters the facility with any symptoms of illness; if the student feels discomfort and is not feeling well, he/she must inform the coach and the nurse will be available to assist.

• ATTENDANCE will be taken every day for every group and provided to the Athletic Office at the end of each week • UPDATED PHYSICALS (after June 1st) must be filed with our nurse’s office for all participants.

• PICK UP by parents: ALL parents must wait for their children at the parking lot (according to school policy, parents and guests are not allowed to enter the campus); Elementary children will be escorted to the parking lot by their coaches. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL PARENTS ARE AT THE PARKING LOT ON TIME, since the coaches must return to the tennis courts for their next lesson.

• ONLINE REGISTRATION AND WAIVER FORM for injuries, COVID-19 must be submitted prior to the first day of activity.

Instructors will wear masks when close to students.

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Arts Activities All school protocols will be applied (classrooms & indoor areas).

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FITNESS ROOM PROTOCOL FOR WEIGHT TRAINING CLUB MEMBERS • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Use is restricted to weight training club members only.

Online booking is necessary, 24 hours in advance.

A maximum of 8 participants can exercise at a time.

Do not attend the facility if you are feeling ill or displaying common symptoms of COVID19.

1.5 meters physical distancing in place at all times.

No socializing or gathering, in the lobby area, washrooms, before, during or after your visit to the facility.

Please come dressed and ready for your workout, change rooms will not be available for use.

Please bring your own water bottle.

Participants will be asked to hand sanitize before entering the fitness room and upon leaving.

Users are expected to sanitize equipment before and after each use.

Public high touch surfaces will be cleaned by staff every afternoon.

Please bring your own towel.

It is recommended that you wear weight training (exercise) gloves.

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