- School District 49
- COVID-19 Updates & Resources
District 49 CEO Update: April 2, 2021
An exciting week at District 49 is coming to a close: Our first week of full schedule, full population, in-person learning. On behalf of D49, Chief Education Officer Peter Hilts wants to thank students, parents and staff for working and walking together through the most difficult year on record. Mr. Hilts also takes a look at the road still ahead, and highlights an opportunity to celebrate student role-models of resilience and flexibility through this difficult season of learning.
We invite you to take a look and have a listen. Thank you for your hard work and for making D49 the Best Choice to Learn Work and Lead!
D49 El Paso County COVID Data Update April 13, 2021
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OVERVIEWKey measures of population health have degraded over the past two weeks. Through February and March, the case rate measure, test positivity, and hospital burden plateaued with moderate increases in test positivity and case rates. Since the last week of March, the case rate and test positivity metrics have degraded. During the period beginning in mid-February, over half the D49 workforce have registered for COVID vaccination through our partner, UC Health, and more than 90% of those are now through the second dose protocol.In addition to the positive vaccination metrics, we also observe that nearly 57,000 residents have “natural immunity*” via recovery from infection, nearly 199,000 residents are proceeding through inoculation toward vaccine-based immunity—and over 127,000 of those have completed the full vaccination series. Every recovered or vaccinated individual reduces the potential pool of future cases, and improves overall community conditions.*Natural immunity may only last 90 days, but medical experts continue studying and measuring immune responses to the standard variant as well as emerging variants of COVID-19.In addition to the overall COVID-19 dashboard, El Paso County has developed a vaccination dashboard with details about the numbers of doses and series, as well as other information about vaccination plans. You can review that information at the county website:HEALTH DATACounty health data has been degrading, with elevated levels and adverse trends over the last eight weeks.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/ covid19data-dashboard On the three key population health measures, this is the status as of Tuesday morning, April 13, 2021:Summary Chart:Key Measure #1: 7-Day Incidence per 100,000 *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Stable Trend
The Case Rate under the new 7-day average stands at 189, which is elevated compared to our 7-day baseline (123) from February 8. This metric is near the middle of the “concern" range (Between 100 and 300). Guidance from county and other public health officials is to continue monitoring for any evidence of conditions that may degrade conditions further.Key Measure #2: Daily PCR Test Positivity (7-Day Average) *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Stable Trend
The test positivity rate under the new 7-day average is 6.91%, above the public health target (maximum) of 7.5%, and above the new target level of 5.0% in Dial 3.0. We want that number lower, so it is concerning that test positivity measure is increasing. The average turnaround time for testing is stable but significant at 4.52 days. Due to logistics realities for collection, transfer to lab, and lab processes, any average turnaround under two days is near optimal.Key Measure #3: Community Health Agency Burden
Rating: NORMAL Level with Stable Trend
This measure is a composite of hospitalization and death rates, which reveal the intensity of infectious spread and resulting illness. Although it is a self-reported measure with some subjectivity, the fact that total hospitalizations have decreased since early December is a positive indicator of decreasing burden on hospital facilities and services. Note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator following case rates and test positivity by approximately 10-14 days.DISTRICT INCIDENT DATADue to continued adherence to our safety system, contact tracing, and exclusion from quarantine based on vaccination status, over 99% of our students are attending school without disruption. We are concerned that recent quarantines may increase and disrupt more students, but so far nearly all schools and programs are open and serving in-person learning. Although we have instances of precautionary quarantines, we have not experienced any outbreaks at D49 schools since spring break.Other district incident data is available on our dashboard.
D49 COVID-19 Tracking Dashboard
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As the COVID-19 crisis has progressed, our ability to predict and respond to rising infection rates has improved. As a result, we are continuing to track the impact of positive cases on our students and staff as we conduct contact tracing, precautionary quarantines, and other protective measures.
D49 COVID Tracking Dashboard LINK
Please keep students home if they don’t feel well
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Dear D49 Families,
We want to share a friendly reminder that sending learners to school requires at-home health screening every day.
Along with the excitement of reuniting and getting to know each other in our return to in-person learning, we are already experiencing the challenges of illness in our classrooms. As we are seeing, even minor symptoms can have significant ripple effects to our return to in-person learning. Guidance from our partners at El Paso County Public Health supports our nursing staff as they assess children showing COVID-like symptoms at school, and also informs their appropriate response, which in some cases requires sending home cohorts of learners and school staff.
Parents can help! Please keep students home if they don’t feel well, or are experiencing symptoms in the following checklists:
Symptoms Observed or Reported:
1 or more MAJOR SYMPTOMS
- Feeling feverish, having chills or temp of 100.4F or greater
- New or unexplained persistent cough
- New or unexplained shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Loss of sense of taste or smell
2 or more MINOR SYMPTOMS
- Sore throat
- Runny nose or congestion
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhea
EMERGENCY COVID-19 WARNING SIGNS include: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face. Seek medical attention immediately by calling 911.
Students should stay home if they are experiencing:1 or more major symptoms and/or 2 or more minor symptoms indicated on the table above.
This, and more useful information may be found on the D49 Nursing Services webpage. We encourage all of our families to become familiar with this process. Paired with our system of safety protocols, following these steps will give D49 our best chance at making this school year the safe and memorable one we know it can be.
Thank you for your time, understanding, and enduring trust.
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D49 El Paso County COVID Data Update April 4, 2021
OVERVIEWKey measures of population health have degraded over the past ten days. Through February and March, the case rate measure, test positivity, and hospital burden plateaued with moderate increases in test positivity and case rates. Since the last week of March, the case rate and test positivity metrics have degraded. During the period beginning in mid-February, over half the D49 workforce have registered for COVID vaccination through our partner, UC Health, and more than 90% of those are now through the second dose protocol.In addition to the positive vaccination metrics, we also observe that nearly 55,000 residents have “natural immunity*” via recovery from infection, nearly 174,000 residents are proceeding through inoculation toward vaccine-based immunity—and nearly 113,000 of those have completed the full vaccination series. Every recovered or vaccinated individual reduces the potential pool of future cases, and improves overall community conditions.*Natural immunity may only last 90 days, but medical experts continue studying and measuring immune responses to the standard variant as well as emerging variants of COVID-19.In addition to the overall COVID-19 dashboard, El Paso County has developed a vaccination dashboard with details about the numbers of doses and series, as well as other information about vaccination plans. You can review that information at the county website:Please note: the following chart is not directly comparable to earlier versions, as the county has changed the age cohorts represented by the trend lines.HEALTH DATACounty health data has been degrading, with elevated levels and adverse trends over the last eight weeks.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/ covid19data-dashboard On the three key population health measures, this is the status as of Monday morning, April 5, 2021:Summary Chart:Key Measure #1: 7-Day Incidence per 100,000 *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Stable Trend
The Case Rate under the new 7-day average stands at 197, which is elevated compared to our 7-day baseline (123) from February 8. This metric is near the middle of the “concern" range (Between 100 and 300). Guidance from county and other public health officials is to continue monitoring for any evidence of conditions that may degrade conditions further.Key Measure #2: Daily PCR Test Positivity (7-Day Average) *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Stable Trend
The test positivity rate under the new 7-day average is 8.54%, above the public health target (maximum) of 7.5%, and above the new target level of 5.0% in Dial 3.0. We want that number lower, so it is concerning that test positivity measure is increasing. The average turnaround time for testing is stable but significant at 4.60 days. Due to logistics realities for collection, transfer to lab, and lab processes, any average turnaround under two days is near optimal.Key Measure #3: Community Health Agency Burden
Rating: NORMAL Level with Stable Trend
This measure is a composite of hospitalization and death rates, which reveal the intensity of infectious spread and resulting illness. Although it is a self-reported measure with some subjectivity, the fact that total hospitalizations have decreased since early December is a positive indicator of decreasing burden on hospital facilities and services. Note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator following case rates and test positivity by approximately 10-14 days.DISTRICT INCIDENT DATADue to continued adherence to our safety system, contact tracing, and exclusion from quarantine based on vaccination status, over 99% of our students are attending school without disruption. All schools and programs are open and serving in-person learning. Although we have very limited instances of precautionary quarantines, we have not experienced any outbreaks at D49 schools since spring break.Other district incident data is available on our dashboard. -
D49 El Paso County COVID Data Update March 29, 2021
OVERVIEWKey measures of population health are essentially flat since the start of February. Over the last seven weeks, the case rate measure, test positivity, and hospital burden have all plateaued with moderate increases in test positivity and case rates. During that time, over half the D49 workforce have registered for COVID vaccination through our partner, UC Health, and a majority of those are now through the second dose protocol.In addition to the positive vaccination metrics, we also observe that over 54,000 residents have “natural immunity*” via recovery from infection, and 155,000 residents are proceeding through inoculation toward vaccine-based immunity—with over 98,000 of those having completed the full vaccination series. Every recovered or vaccinated individual reduces the potential pool of future cases, and improves overall community conditions. With vaccination accelerating, we anticipate that we’ll be able to maintain and further enhance improving community conditions.*Natural immunity may only last 90 days, but medical experts continue studying and measuring immune responses to the standard variant as well as emerging variants of COVID-19.In addition to the overall COVID-19 dashboard, El Paso County has developed a vaccination dashboard with details about the numbers of doses and series, as well as other information about vaccination plans. You can review that information at the county website:HEALTH DATACounty health data has been flat, with elevated levels and stable trends over the last seven weeks.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/ covid19data-dashboard On the three key population health measures, this is the status as of Monday evening, March 29, 2021:Summary Chart:Key Measure #1: 7-Day Incidence per 100,000 *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Stable Trend
The Case Rate under the new 7-day average stands at 158, which is elevated compared to our baseline (123) from February 8. This metric is near the low end of the “concern" range (Between 100 and 300). Guidance from county and other public health officials is to continue monitoring for any evidence of conditions that may degrade conditions further.Key Measure #2: Daily PCR Test Positivity (7-Day Average) *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Stable Trend
The test positivity rate under the new 7-day average is 6.94%, below the public health target (maximum) of 7.5%, but above the new level of 5.0% in Dial 3.0. We want that number lower, so it is concerning that test positivity measure is increasing. The average turnaround time for testing is stable but significant at 4.68 days. Due to logistics realities for collection, transfer to lab, and lab processes, any average turnaround under two days is near optimal.Key Measure #3: Community Health Agency Burden
Rating: NORMAL Level with Stable Trend
This measure is a composite of hospitalization and death rates, which reveal the intensity of infectious spread and resulting illness. Although it is a self-reported measure with some subjectivity, the fact that total hospitalizations have decreased since early December is a positive indicator of decreasing burden on hospital facilities and services. Note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator following case rates and test positivity by approximately 10-14 days.DISTRICT INCIDENT DATAOne key observation for our return to learn is that we have experienced multiple precautionary quarantines related to competitive high school athletics. Because of the nature of close-quarters competition, any athlete or coach who tests positive is likely to trigger a large-scale quarantine. We have multiple schools that are operating with limited staffing, but still open.Other district incident data is available on our dashboard. -
D49 El Paso County COVID Data Update March 22, 2021
OVERVIEWKey measures of population health are essentially flat since the start of February. Over the last four weeks, the case rate measure, test positivity, and hospital burden have all plateaued. During that time, over half the D49 workforce have registered for COVID vaccination through our partner, UC Health, and a majority of those are now through the second dose protocol.In addition to the positive vaccination metrics, we also observe that nearly 53,000 residents have “natural immunity*” via recovery from infection, and over 135,000 residents are proceeding through inoculation toward vaccine-based immunity—with nearly 87,000 of those having completed the full vaccination series. Every recovered or vaccinated individual reduces the potential pool of future cases, and improves overall community conditions. With vaccination accelerating, we anticipate that we’ll be able to maintain and further enhance improving community conditions.*Natural immunity may only last 90 days, but medical experts continue studying and measuring immune responses to the standard variant as well as emerging variants of COVID-19.In addition to the overall COVID-19 dashboard, El Paso County has developed a vaccination dashboard with details about the numbers of doses and series, as well as other information about vaccination plans. You can review that information at the county website:HEALTH DATACounty health data has been flat, with elevated levels and stable trends over the last six weeks.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/ covid19data-dashboard On the three key population health measures, this is the status as of Monday morning, March 22, 2021:Summary Chart:Key Measure #1: 7-Day Incidence per 100,000 *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Stable Trend
The Case Rate under the new 7-day average stands at 126, which is essentially flat compared to our baseline (123) from February 8. This metric is near the low end of the “caution" range (Between 100 and 300). Guidance from county and other public health officials is to continue monitoring for any evidence of conditions that may disrupt the overall positive trend.Key Measure #2: Daily PCR Test Positivity (7-Day Average) *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Stable Trend
The test positivity rate under the new 7-day average starts at 5.86%, below the public health target (maximum) of 7.5%, but above the new level of 5.0% proposed in Dial 3.0. We want that number lower, so it is concerning that test positivity measure is increasing. The average turnaround time for testing is stable but significant at 4.77 days. Due to logistics realities for collection, transfer to lab, and lab processes, any average turnaround under two days is near optimal.Key Measure #3: Community Health Agency Burden
Rating: NORMAL Level with Stable Trend
This measure is a composite of hospitalization and death rates, which reveal the intensity of infectious spread and resulting illness. Although it is a self-reported measure with some subjectivity, the fact that total hospitalizations have decreased since early December is a positive indicator of decreasing burden on hospital facilities and services. Note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator following case rates and test positivity by approximately 10-14 days.DISTRICT INCIDENT DATAOne key observation for our return to learn is that we have experienced multiple precautionary quarantines related to competitive high school athletics. Because of the nature of close-quarters competition, any athlete or coach who tests positive is likely to trigger a large-scale quarantine. We have multiple schools that are operating with limited staffing, but still open.Other district incident data is available on our dashboard. -
D49 El Paso County COVID Data Update March 8, 2021
OVERVIEWKey measures of population health are essentially flat since the start of February. Over the last five weeks, the case rate measure has plateaued, but test positivity, and hospital burden have continued to improve gradually. During that time, over half the D49 workforce have registered for COVID vaccination through our partner, UC Health, and over 90% of those are already through the first dose protocol, with a significant percentage now through the second dose protocol. Additionally, El Paso County has begun vaccinating individuals in the 1B.3 group, which includes individuals 60 years and older as well as other specific populations groups.In addition to the positive vaccination metrics, we also observe that nearly 51,000 residents have “natural immunity*” via recovery from infection, and more than 104,000 residents are proceeding through inoculation toward vaccine-based immunity—with over 58,000 of those having completed the full vaccination series. Every recovered or vaccinated individual reduces the potential pool of future cases, and improves overall community conditions. With vaccination accelerating, we anticipate that we’ll be able to maintain and further enhance improving community conditions.*Natural immunity may only last 90 days, but medical experts continue studying and measuring immune responses to the standard variant as well as emerging variants of COVID-19.In addition to the overall COVID-19 dashboard, El Paso County has developed a vaccination dashboard with details about the numbers of doses and series, as well as other information about vaccination plans. NOTE: The county has added significant new detail about age groups and vaccination progress to their dedicated dashboard. I’ve included a new chart below with data about age cohorts, where you can clearly see the impact of adding groups 1B.1 and then 1B.2 to the vaccination campaign.You can review that information at the county website:HEALTH DATACounty health data has been flat, with elevated levels and stable trends over the last four weeks.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/ covid19data-dashboard HEALTH DATACounty case rate data has been flat, with elevated levels and stable trends over the last four weeks. Both test positivity and hospital data indicators are improving.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/ covid19data-dashboard Key Measure #1: 7-Day Incidence per 100,000 *Lower is betterRating: CONCERN Level with Stable Trend
The Case Rate under the 7-day average stands at 126, which is slightly elevated compared to our 7-day baseline (123) that began on February 6. This metric is near the low end of the “caution" range (Between 100 and 300). Guidance from county and other public health officials is to continue monitoring for any evidence of conditions that may disrupt the overall positive trend.Key Measure #2: Daily PCR Test Positivity (7-Day Average) *Lower is betterRating: CONCERN Level with Improving Trend
The test positivity rate under the new 7-day average starts at 4.92%, below the Colorado public health target (maximum) of 7.5%, and back below the CDC target of 5%. We want that number lower, so it is beneficial that test positivity measure is stable or improving. The average turnaround time for testing is stable but significant at 4.91 days. Due to logistics realities for collection, transfer to lab, and lab processes, any average turnaround under two days is near optimal.Key Measure #3: Community Health Agency Burden
Rating: NORMAL with Stable Trend
This measure is a composite of hospitalization and death rates, which reveal the intensity of infectious spread and resulting illness. Although it is a self-reported measure with some subjectivity, the fact that total hospitalizations have decreased since early December is a positive indicator of decreasing burden on hospital facilities and services. Note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator following case rates and test positivity by approximately 10-14 days. Since early fall, this is the first time our area hospitals have reported normal burden. This is a very positive sign.DISTRICT INCIDENT DATAOne key observation for our return to learn is that we have experienced multiple precautionary quarantines related to competitive high school athletics. Because of the nature of close-quarters competition, any athlete or coach who tests positive is likely to trigger a large-scale quarantine. We have multiple schools that are operating with limited staffing, but still open. This past week, we had one secondary school that shifted to e-Learning on Friday to accomplish contact tracing and manage a significant exposure (not transmission) event to prevent additional exposure and quarantines.Other district incident data is available on our dashboard. -
D49 El Paso County COVID Data Update March 1, 2021
OVERVIEWKey measures of population health are essentially flat since the start of February. Over the last four weeks, the case rate measure, test positivity, and hospital burden have all plateaued. During that time, over half the D49 workforce have registered for COVID vaccination through our partner, UC Health, and over 90% of those are already through the first dose protocol.In addition to the positive vaccination metrics, we also observe that nearly 50,000 residents have “natural immunity*” via recovery from infection, and nearly 88,000 residents are proceeding through inoculation toward vaccine-based immunity—with over 40,000 of those having completed the full vaccination series. Every recovered or vaccinated individual reduces the potential pool of future cases, and improves overall community conditions. With vaccination accelerating, we anticipate that we’ll be able to maintain and further enhance improving community conditions.*Natural immunity may only last 90 days, but medical experts continue studying and measuring immune responses to the standard variant as well as emerging variants of COVID-19.In addition to the overall COVID-19 dashboard, El Paso County has developed a vaccination dashboard with details about the numbers of doses and series, as well as other information about vaccination plans. You can review that information at the county website:HEALTH DATACounty health data has been flat, with elevated levels and stable trends over the last four weeks.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/ covid19data-dashboard On the three key population health measures, this is the status as of Monday morning, March 1, 2021:Summary Chart:Key Measure #1: 7-Day Incidence per 100,000 *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Adverse Trend
The Case Rate under the new 7-day average stands at 134, which is elevated compared to our baseline (123) from three weeks ago. This metric is near the low end of the “caution" range (Between 100 and 300). Guidance from county and other public health officials is to continue monitoring for any evidence of conditions that may disrupt the overall positive trend.Key Measure #2: Daily PCR Test Positivity (7-Day Average) *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Improving Trend
The test positivity rate under the new 7-day average starts at 5.51%, below the public health target (maximum) of 7.5%. We want that number lower, so it is beneficial that test positivity measure is stable or improving. The average turnaround time for testing is stable but significant at 5.01 days. Due to logistics realities for collection, transfer to lab, and lab processes, any average turnaround under two days is near optimal.Key Measure #3: Community Health Agency Burden
Rating: GOOD with Beneficial (Improving) Trend
This measure is a composite of hospitalization and death rates, which reveal the intensity of infectious spread and resulting illness. Although it is a self-reported measure with some subjectivity, the fact that total hospitalizations have decreased since early December is a positive indicator of decreasing burden on hospital facilities and services. Note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator following case rates and test positivity by approximately 10-14 days.DISTRICT INCIDENT DATAOne key observation for our return to learn is that we have experienced multiple precautionary quarantines related to competitive high school athletics. Because of the nature of close-quarters competition, any athlete or coach who tests positive is likely to trigger a large-scale quarantine. We have multiple schools that are operating with limited staffing, but still open.Other district incident data is available on our dashboard. -
D49 El Paso County COVID Data Update Feb. 22, 2021
OVERVIEWKey measures of population health are essentially flat since the start of February. Over the last three weeks, the case rate measure, test positivity, and hospital burden have all plateaued. During that time, over half the D49 workforce have registered for COVID vaccination through our partner, UC Health, and the majority of those are already through the first dose protocol.In addition to the positive vaccination metrics, we also observe that nearly 49,000 residents have “natural immunity*” via recovery from infection, and nearly 75,000 residents are proceeding through inoculation toward vaccine-based immunity—with 31,000 of those having completed the full vaccination series. Every recovered or vaccinated individual reduces the potential pool of future cases, and improves overall community conditions. With vaccination accelerating, we anticipate that we’ll be able to maintain and further enhance improving community conditions.*Natural immunity may only last 90 days, but medical experts continue studying and measuring immune responses to the standard variant as well as emerging variants of COVID-19.In addition to the overall COVID-19 dashboard, El Paso County has developed a vaccination dashboard with details about the numbers of doses and series, as well as other information about vaccination plans. You can review that information at the county website:HEALTH DATA
County health data has improved in the last two week, with elevated levels and improving trends.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/ covid19data-dashboard On the three key population health measures, this is the status as of Monday morning, February 22, 2021:Summary Chart:
Key Measure #1: 7-Day Incidence per 100,000 *Lower is betterRating: CONCERN Level with Stable Trend
The Case Rate under the new 7-day average stands at 125, which is slightly elevated compared to our baseline (123) from two weeks ago. This metric is near the low end of the “caution" range (Between 100 and 300). Guidance from county and other public health officials is to continue monitoring for any evidence of conditions that may disrupt the overall positive trend.
Key Measure #2: Daily PCR Test Positivity (7-Day Average) *Lower is betterRating: CONCERN Level with Stable Trend
The test positivity rate under the new 7-day average starts at 5.41%, below the public health target (maximum) of 7.5%. We want that number lower, so it is beneficial that test positivity measure is stable or improving. The average turnaround time for testing is stable but significant at 5.11 days. Due to logistics realities for collection, transfer to lab, and lab processes, any average turnaround under two days is near optimal.
Key Measure #3: Community Health Agency Burden
Rating: GOOD with Beneficial (Improving) Trend
This measure is a composite of hospitalization and death rates, which reveal the intensity of infectious spread and resulting illness. Although it is a self-reported measure with some subjectivity, the fact that total hospitalizations have decreased since early December is a positive indicator of decreasing burden on hospital facilities and services. Note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator following case rates and test positivity by approximately 10-14 days.DISTRICT INCIDENT DATAOne key observation for our return to learn is that we have experienced multiple precautionary quarantines related to competitive high school athletics. Because of the nature of close-quarters competition, any athlete or coach who tests positive is likely to trigger a large-scale quarantine. We have multiple schools that are operating with limited staffing, but still open. The Peak Program is currently on E-learning status for 14 days due to a single positive case and consequent exposure.Other district incident data is available on our dashboard. -
D49 El Paso County COVID Data Update Feb. 16, 2021
OVERRVIEWKey measures of population health are all moving together in a positive direction. Over the last six weeks, the case rate measure, test positivity, and hospital burden have all improved. In a major development, over half the D49 workforce have already registered for COVID vaccination through our partner, UC Health, and the majority of those are already through the first dose protocol.In addition to the positive vaccination metrics, we also observe that over 48,000 residents have “natural immunity*” via recovery from infection, and more than 93,000 residents are proceeding through inoculation toward vaccine-based immunity. Every recovered or vaccinated individual reduces the potential pool of future cases, and improves overall community conditions. With vaccination accelerating, we anticipate that we’ll be able to maintain and further enhance improving community conditions. We also affirm the Governor’s decision to move school personnel up into the “1B.2" phase for vaccine distribution, meaning that D49 workforce members who want to receive the vaccine will have that option even sooner than initially projected.*Natural immunity may only last 90 days, but medical experts continue studying and measuring immune responses to the standard variant as well as emerging variants of COVID-19.In addition to the overall COVID-19 dashboard, El Paso County has developed a vaccination dashboard with details about the numbers of doses and series, as well as other information about vaccination plans. You can review that information at the county website:HEALTH DATA
County health data has improved in the last two week, with elevated levels and improving trends.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/ covid19data-dashboard On the three key population health measures, this is the status as of Monday morning, February 16, 2021:Summary Chart:Key Measure #1: 7-Day Incidence per 100,000 *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Stable Trend
The Case Rate under the new 7-day average starts at 122, which is virtually identical to our baseline (123) from last week. This metric is near the low end of the “caution" range (Between 100 and 300). Guidance from county and other public health officials is to continue monitoring for any evidence of conditions that may disrupt the overall positive trend.Key Measure #2: Daily PCR Test Positivity (7-Day Average) *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Improving Trend
The test positivity rate under the new 7-day average starts at 5.80, below the public health target (maximum) of 7.5%. We want that number lower, so it is beneficial that test positivity measure is stable or improving. The average turnaround time for testing is stable but significant at 5.21 days. Due to logistics realities for collection, transfer to lab, and lab processes, any average turnaround under two days is near optimal.Key Measure #3: Community Health Agency Burden
Rating: GOOD with Beneficial (Improving) Trend
This measure is a composite of hospitalization and death rates, which reveal the intensity of infectious spread and resulting illness. Although it is a self-reported measure with some subjectivity, the fact that total hospitalizations have decreased since early December is a positive indicator of decreasing burden on hospital facilities and services. Note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator following case rates and test positivity by approximately 10-14 days.DISTRICT INCIDENT DATAOne key observation for our return to learn is that we have experienced multiple precautionary quarantines related to competitive high school athletics. Because of the nature of close-quarters competition, any athlete or coach who tests positive is likely to trigger a large-scale quarantine. We have multiple schools that are operating with limited staffing, but still open. The Peak Program is currently on E-learning status for 14 days due to a single positive case and consequent exposure.Other district incident data is available on our dashboard. -
D49 El Paso County COVID Data Update Feb. 8, 2021
OVERVIEWKey measures of population health are all moving together in a positive direction. Over the last six weeks, the case rate measure, test positivity, and hospital burden have all improved.In addition to the positive metrics, we also observe that nearly 49,000 residents now have “natural immunity*” via recovery from infection, and thousands of residents are proceeding through inoculation toward vaccine-based immunity. Every recovered or vaccinated individual reduces the potential pool of future cases, and improves overall community conditions. With vaccination accelerating, we anticipate that we’ll be able to maintain and further enhance improving community conditions. We also affirm the Governor’s decision to move school personnel up into the “1B.2" phase for vaccine distribution, meaning that D49 workforce members who want to receive the vaccine will have that option even sooner than initially projected.*Natural immunity may only last 90 days, but medical experts continue studying and measuring immune responses to the standard variant as well as emerging variants of COVID-19.In addition to the overall COVID-19 dashboard, El Paso County has developed a vaccination dashboard with details about the numbers of doses and series, as well as other information about vaccination plans. You can review that information at the county website:HEALTH DATA
County health data has improved in the last two week, with elevated levels and improving trends.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/ covid19data-dashboard On the three key population health measures, this is the status as of Monday morning, February 8 2021:Summary Chart:Key Measure #1: 7-Day Incidence per 100,000 *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Improving Trend
The Case Rate under the new 7-day average starts at 123, which is our new baseline. This metric is near the low end of the “caution" range (Between 100 and 300). Guidance from county and other public health officials is to continue monitoring for any evidence of conditions that may disrupt the overall positive trend.Key Measure #2: Daily PCR Test Positivity (7-Day Average) *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Improving Trend
The test positivity rate under the new 7-day average starts at 5.46, below the public health target (maximum) of 7.5%. We want that number lower, so it is beneficial that test positivity measure is stable or improving. The average turnaround time for testing is stable at 4.66 days. Due to logistics realities for collection, transfer to lab, and lab processes, any average turnaround under two days is near optimal.Key Measure #3: Community Health Agency Burden
Rating: GOOD with Beneficial (Improving) Trend
This measure is a composite of hospitalization and death rates, which reveal the intensity of infectious spread and resulting illness. Although it is a self-reported measure with some subjectivity, the fact that total hospitalizations have decreased since early December is a positive indicator of decreasing burden on hospital facilities and services. Note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator following case rates and test positivity by approximately 10-14 days.DISTRICT INCIDENT DATADistrict incident data is available on our dashboard. -
D49 El Paso County COVID Data Update Feb. 1, 2021
OVERVIEWKey measures of population health are all moving together in a positive direction. Over the last four weeks, the case rate measure, test positivity, and hospital burden have all improved.In addition to the positive metrics, we also observe that over 45,000 residents now have “natural immunity” via recovery from infection, and thousands of residents are proceeding through inoculation toward vaccine-based immunity. Every recovered or vaccinated individual reduces the potential pool of future cases, and improves overall community conditions. With vaccination accelerating, we anticipate that we’ll be able to maintain and further enhance improving community conditions. We also affirm the Governor’s decision to move school personnel up into the “1B.2" phase for vaccine distribution, meaning that D49 workforce members who want to receive the vaccine will have that option even sooner than initially projected.El Paso County has developed a vaccination dashboard with details about the numbers of doses and series, as well as other information about vaccination plans. You can review that information at the county website:Our major caution as we continue in-person learning is the pattern, observed in many communities nationwide, that normalizing school operations can correlate with increased community activity, mobility, and transmissions. Although schools are not a direct vector for increased transmission, with extremely low infection rates compared to the community, they may catalyze other conditions that do drive increased transmission. Because schools operate downstream from the community, we redouble our exhortation for all students, staff, and residents to maintain the same, effective, personal practices that have helped our community recover from the December wave of cases and illness.HEALTH DATA
County health data has improved in the last two week, with elevated levels and improving trends.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/ covid19data-dashboard On the three key population health measures, this is the status as of Monday morning, February 1 2021:Summary Chart:Key Measure #1: 14-Day Incidence per 100,000 *Lower is better
Rating: HIGH RISK Level with Improving Trend
The Case Rate has decreased from 329 last Monday to to 263 today. This metricremains in the “High Risk" range (Between 175 and 350). Guidance from county and other public health officials is to continue monitoring for any evidence of a sustained surge that may disrupt the overall positive trend.
Key Measure #2: Daily PCR Test Positivity (14-Day Average) *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Improving Trend
The test positivity rate is improved from last week (7.15) to 5.70% today, above the public health target (maximum) of 5%. We want that number lower, so it is beneficial that test positivity measure is stable or improving. The average turnaround time for testing is stable at 2.92 days. Due to logistics realities for collection, transfer to lab, and lab processes, any average turnaround under two days is near optimal. As individuals return from holiday travel and seek precautionary testing, we anticipate that the total number of tests will increase, the turnaround time will increase temporarily, and the positivity rate may become more volatile, with short-term erratic patterns of increases and decreases.Key Measure #3: Community Health Agency Burden
Rating: FAIR/GOOD with Beneficial (Improving) Trend
This measure is a composite of hospitalization and death rates, which reveal the intensity of infectious spread and resulting illness. Although it is a self-reported measure with some subjectivity, the fact that total hospitalizations have decreased since early December is a positive indicator of decreasing burden on hospital facilities and services. Note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator following case rates and test positivity by approximately 10-14 days.
DISTRICT INCIDENT DATADistrict incident data is available on our dashboard.
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D49 El Paso County COVID Data Update Jan. 25, 2021
OVERVIEWKey measures of population health are all moving together in a positive direction. Over the last two weeks, the case rate measure, test positivity, and hospital burden have all improved.In addition to the positive metrics, we also observe that nearly 44,000 residents now have “natural immunity” via recovery from infection, and thousands of residents are proceeding through inoculation toward vaccine-based immunity. Every recovered or vaccinated individual reduces the potential pool of future cases, and improves overall community conditions. With vaccination accelerating, we anticipate that we’ll be able to maintain and further enhance improving community conditions. We also affirm the Governor’s decision to move school personnel up into the “1B" phase for vaccine distribution, meaning that D49 workforce members who want to receive the vaccine will have that option even sooner than initially projected.El Paso County has developed a vaccination dashboard with details about the numbers of doses and series, as well as other information about vaccination plans. You can review that information at the county website:Our major caution as we continue in-person learning is the pattern, observed in many communities nationwide, that normalizing school operations can correlate with increased community activity, mobility, and transmissions. Although schools are not a direct vector for increased transmission, with extremely low infection rates compared to the community, they may catalyze other conditions that do drive increased transmission. Because schools operate downstream from the community, we redouble our exhortation for all students, staff, and residents to maintain the same, effective, personal practices that have helped our community recover from the December wave of cases and illness.HEALTH DATA
County health data has improved in the last two week, with elevated levels and improving trends.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/ covid19data-dashboard On the three key population health measures, this is the status as of Tuesday morning, January 25 2021:Summary Chart:Key Measure #1: 14-Day Incidence per 100,000 *Lower is better
Rating: HIGH RISK Level with Improving Trend
The Case Rate has decreased from 451 last Monday to to 329 today. This metric has entered the in the “High Risk" range (Between 175 and 350). Guidance from county and other public health officials is to continue monitoring for any evidence of a sustained surge that may disrupt the overall positive trend.Key Measure #2: Daily PCR Test Positivity (14-Day Average) *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Improving Trend
The test positivity rate is improved from last week (7.15) to 5.70% today, above the public health target (maximum) of 5%. We want that number lower, so it is beneficial that test positivity measure is stable or improving. The average turnaround time for testing is stable at 2.92 days. Due to logistics realities for collection, transfer to lab, and lab processes, any average turnaround under two days is near optimal. As individuals return from holiday travel and seek precautionary testing, we anticipate that the total number of tests will increase, the turnaround time will increase temporarily, and the positivity rate may become more volatile, with short-term erratic patterns of increases and decreases.Key Measure #3: Community Health Agency Burden
Rating: FAIR/GOOD with Beneficial (Improving) Trend
This measure is a composite of hospitalization and death rates, which reveal the intensity of infectious spread and resulting illness. Although it is a self-reported measure with some subjectivity, the fact that total hospitalizations have decreased since early December is a positive indicator of decreasing burden on hospital facilities and services. Note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator following case rates and test positivity by approximately 10-14 days.DISTRICT INCIDENT DATADistrict incident data is available on our dashboard. -
D49 El Paso County COVID Data Update Jan. 19, 2021
OVERVIEWKey measures of population health are all moving together in a positive direction. Over the last seven days, the case rate measure, test positivity, and hospital burden have all improved.In addition to the positive metrics, we also observe that nearly 46,000 residents now have “natural immunity” via recovery from infection, and thousands of residents are proceeding through inoculation toward vaccine-based immunity. Every recovered or vaccinated individual reduces the potential pool of future cases, and improves overall community conditions. With vaccination accelerating, we anticipate that we’ll be able to maintain and further enhance improving community conditions. We also affirm the Governor’s decision to move school personnel up into the “1B" phase for vaccine distribution, meaning that D49 workforce members who want to receive the vaccine will have that option even sooner than initially projected.Our major caution as we restart in-person learning is the pattern, observed in many communities nationwide, that normalizing school operations can correlate with increased community activity, mobility, and transmissions. Although schools are not a direct vector for increased transmission, with extremely low infection rates compared to the community, they may catalyze other conditions that do drive increased transmission. Because schools operate downstream from the community, we redouble our exhortation for all students, staff, and residents to maintain the same, effective, personal practices that have helped our community recover from the December wave of cases and illness.HEALTH DATA
County health data has improved in the last two week, with elevated levels and improving trends.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/ covid19data-dashboard On the three key population health measures, this is the status as of Tuesday morning, January 19, 2021:Summary Chart:Key Measure #1: 14-Day Incidence per 100,000 *Lower is better
Rating: SEVERE RISK Level with Improving Trend
The Case Rate has decreased from 515 last Monday to to 451 today. This metric remains in the “SEVERE Risk" range (>350). Guidance from county and other public health officials is to continue monitoring for any evidence of a sustained surge that may disrupt the overall positive trend.Key Measure #2: Daily PCR Test Positivity (14-Day Average) *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Improving Trend
The test positivity rate is improved from last week (9.14%) to 7.15% today, above the public health target (maximum) of 5%. We want that number lower, so it is beneficial that test positivity measure is stable or improving. The average turnaround time for testing is stable at 3.0 days. Due to logistics realities for collection, transfer to lab, and lab processes, any average turnaround under two days is near optimal. As individuals return from holiday travel and seek precautionary testing, we anticipate that the total number of tests will increase, the turnaround time will increase temporarily, and the positivity rate may become more volatile, with short-term erratic patterns of increases and decreases.Key Measure #3: Community Health Agency Burden
Rating: FAIR/GOOD with Beneficial (Improving) Trend
This measure is a composite of hospitalization and death rates, which reveal the intensity of infectious spread and resulting illness. Although it is a self-reported measure with some subjectivity, the fact that total hospitalizations have decreased since early December is a positive indicator of decreasing burden on hospital facilities and services. Note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator following case rates and test positivity by approximately 10-14 days.DISTRICT INCIDENT DATABecause operating in E49 reduced opportunities for on-campus transmission, and because of the two-week monitoring period after the holiday break, we are restarting our monitoring effort and will return to routine publication of school and district data on our dashboard.
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D49 El Paso County COVID Data Update Jan. 11, 2021
OVERVIEWKey measures of population health have now diverged, and are not all moving together. Over the last seven days, the case rate measure has worsened, while test positivity and hospital burden have remained stable.In addition to the mixed metrics, we also observe that nearly 40,000 residents now have “natural immunity” via recovery from infection, and thousands of residents are proceeding through inoculation toward vaccine-based immunity. Every recovered or vaccinated individual reduces the potential pool of future cases, and improves overall community conditions. With vaccination accelerating, we anticipate that we’ll be able to maintain and further enhance improving community conditions. We also affirm the Governor’s decision to move school personnel up into the “1B" phase for vaccine distribution, meaning that D49 workforce members who want to receive the vaccine will have that option even sooner than initially projected.Our continued caution entering January is the factor we previously discussed—the possibility of a post-holiday surge. Strong encouragement, from our county health partners to our district board and administration, supports our plan to monitor for two weeks and then follow a staggered return to in-person learning. That approach follows the optimal medical recommendation, and gives us the best chance that when we open for in-person learning we can stay open. The data volatility referenced above is almost certainly evidence that some surge has happened, what we can’t yet determine is the magnitude or duration of that surge.HEALTH DATA
County health data has become mixed in the last two weeks, with elevated levels and mixed trends.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/ covid19data-dashboard On the three key population health measures, this is the status as of Monday morning, January 4, 2021:Summary Chart:Key Measure #1: 14-Day Incidence per 100,000 *Lower is better
Rating: SEVERE RISK Level with Improving Trend
The Case Rate has increased from 480 last Monday to to 515 today. This metric remains in the “SEVERE Risk" range (>350). Guidance from county and other public health officials is to continue monitoring for any evidence of a sustained surge that may disrupt the overall positive trend.Key Measure #2: Daily PCR Test Positivity (14-Day Average) *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Erratic Trend
The test positivity rate is virtually identical to last week (9.13%) at 9.14% today, above the public health target (maximum) of 5%. We want that number lower, so it is beneficial that test positivity measure is stable or improving. The average turnaround time for testing is stable at 2.76 days. Due to logistics realities for collection, transfer to lab, and lab processes, any average turnaround under two days is near optimal. As individuals return from holiday travel and seek precautionary testing, we anticipate that the total number of tests will increase, the turnaround time will increase temporarily, and the positivity rate may become more volatile, with short-term erratic patterns of increases and decreases.Key Measure #3: Community Health Agency Burden
Rating: FAIR/GOOD with Beneficial (Improving) Trend
This measure is a composite of hospitalization and death rates, which reveal the intensity of infectious spread and resulting illness. Although it is a self-reported measure with some subjectivity, the fact that total hospitalizations have decreased since early December is a positive indicator of decreasing burden on hospital facilities and services. Note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator following case rates and test positivity by approximately 10-14 days.DISTRICT INCIDENT DATABecause operating in E49 reduced opportunities for on-campus transmission, and because of the two-week holiday break, we will restart monitoring district transmission over the next two weeks and return to routine publication of school and district data on our dashboard. -
D49 El Paso County COVID Data Update Jan. 3, 2021
OVERVIEWKey measures of population health have now improved for 30 days in a row. Until this week, key measures, especially the case rate per 100K, had been unwinding at nearly symmetrical rates compared to the early winter rise. The peak of the surge was on December 3, so as we enter January, we are approaching the same levels we saw in early November. The improvement trend has decelerated as we enter January, so we are cautious about projecting those improving conditions into the early semester.Personnel up into the “1B" phase for vaccine distribution, meaning that D49 workforce members who want to receive the vaccine will have that option even sooner than initially projected.
Our main caution entering January is the factor we previously discussed—the possibility of a post-holiday surge. Strong encouragement, from our county health partners to our district board and administration, supports our plan to monitor for two weeks and then follow a staggered return to in-person learning. That approach follows the optimal medical recommendation, and gives us the best chance that when we open for in-person learning we can stay open.
14 days after the end of traditional holiday break would be the “optimal” length of time from a purely public health viral control perspective based on the incubation of the virus....a staggered start similar to what many schools successfully deployed in the fall is a very good strategy to give schools the best chance at success. If numbers continue to decline as they are now, these types of staged re-entries are effective as the most “at-risk” for transmission students are returning later during lower community transmission.
Dr. Leon Kelly: El Paso County Medical Examiner and COVID Lead Physician
Letter to D49 BOE and area leaders
Public Health recommended the delay of the start of the spring semester to allow time for families who have traveled or attended large gatherings to ensure they have not been exposed/infected by COVID-19 prior to returning to the learning environment. A two-week delay allows for those individuals to quarantine for a full incubation period and thereby avoid spreading the disease in school and excluding students for a longer period of time.
We at Public Health do not dictate to schools when they should start but work with schools to decide what works best for them and support them in that decision. Dr. Kelly stated that to provide the best chance for in-person success, a delay in start or some other strategy including staggered starts as in the fall or testing modalities is strongly encouraged.
Haley Zachary: El Paso County Lead Epidemiologist
Letter to D49 BOE and area leaders
After consulting with county partners, our board of education and especially school leaders, we are proceeding as planned for beginning the spring semester. Although we are starting in E49 Orange, our plan is to stagger our elementary return to in-person learning beginning January 19th, along with a 50-50 hybrid for middle and high school students the week after. That means we plan to exit E49 by the end of January, and reestablish D49 operations with in-person and hybrid configurations. Per board direction and family preference, we will continue to offer E-learning options through the rest of the school year. As always, our plans are responsive to community conditions, so we may accelerate or adjust our plan if conditions warrant—especially if we detect increasing levels of community transmission in this post-holiday period.
IMPLICATIONS of E49 Orange
For students, the implication is that most learning services are delivered remotely, using online platforms and communications to facilitate instruction, interventions, and assessment. For some student groups, and for some specialized services, we continue providing opportunities for in-person, small group educational and other services.
For educators, most educational delivery is delivered remotely, but we will use the first two weeks of January to ramp up our on-site presence.
Practically, this means that most educators and other colleagues will return to working primarily at schools and worksites by January 11, while some work remotely with supervisor discretion and approval.
As we return to the spring semester, we expect to monitor some COVID-19 positive cases and some exposure to Tier Zero individuals. We know that our safety system, quarantine protocols and healthcare systems will protect staff and students, and we are better positioned to keep schools operating even as we emerge from the pandemic. El Paso County has incorporated the quarantine guidance from the Centers for Disease Control to their guidance for in-person learning (updated 12/22/20). That guidance is:
Safest option: Remain at home and away from others for a full 14 days. If you stay completely separate from others for 14 days after you were exposed, you do not put anyone at risk for catching COVID-19 from you. People who live in group settings like dorms, barracks, or homeless shelters must use this option. People who work with high-risk people, like those in nursing homes, should also follow a 14-day quarantine and contact their occupational health representative for further information.
Safe option: If you remain symptom-free for 10 days after exposure and don’t live in a group setting, it’s permissible to end your quarantine and continue to monitor yourself for symptoms for the remaining 4 days of the incubation period. CDC recently released data showing that there is a lower risk of becoming ill and passing on the virus at 11 to 14 days after exposure. While it is lower risk, there is still up to a 10% chance of passing on the virus after day 10. You must not be in contact with people who are elderly or at risk for severe illness for the full 14 days.
Testing option: The shortest option allowable for quarantine is seven days. To use this option, you must obtain a negative COVID-19 test on day five to day seven after your exposure. Testing is a point-in-time measure and you may still become ill with the virus and pass it to others after leaving a seven-day quarantine. For these reasons, seven-day quarantine with testing is the least preferred option and not recommended by EPCPH in most cases.
In no circumstances can quarantine be discontinued before 7 full days of quarantine have passed since exposure.
We anticipate that these new quarantine guidelines will significantly improve our ability to maintain staff and student presence for in-person learning, so we are calibrating our January plans accordingly. Consistent feedback from our community and our workforce is that a stable model of E-learning is preferable to unpredictable disruptions and shifts back and forth to E-learning.
HEALTH DATA
County health data has improved substantially over the past four weeks, with elevated levels and improving trends.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/covid19data-dashboardOn the three key population health measures, this is the status as of Monday morning, January 4, 2021:
Summary Chart:
Key Measure #1: 14-Day Incidence per 100,000 *Lower is better
Rating: SEVERE RISK Level with Improving Trend
The Case Rate has decreased from a high of 1320 on December 3 to 480 today. This metric remains in the “SEVERE Risk" range (>350). Guidance from county and other public health officials is to continue monitoring for any evidence of a post-holiday surge that may disrupt the positive trend.Key Measure #2: Daily PCR Test Positivity (14-Day Average) *Lower is better
Rating: CONCERN Level with Erratic Trend
The test positivity rate is at 9.13% today, above the public health target (maximum) of 5%. We want that number lower, so it is beneficial that test positivity measure is stable or improving. The average turnaround time for testing is stable at 2.79 days. Due to logistics realities for collection, transfer to lab, and lab processes, any average turnaround under two days is near optimal. As individuals return from holiday travel and seek precautionary testing, we anticipate that the total number of tests will increase, the turnaround time will increase temporarily, and the positivity rate may become more volatile, with short-term erratic patterns of increases and decreases.Key Measure #3: Community Health Agency Burden
Rating: FAIR/GOOD with Beneficial (Improving) Trend
This measure is a composite of hospitalization and death rates, which reveal the intensity of infectious spread and resulting illness. Although it is a self-reported measure with some subjectivity, the fact that total hospitalizations have decreased since early December is a positive indicator of decreasing burden on hospital facilities and services. Note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator following case rates and test positivity by approximately 10-14 days.DISTRICT INCIDENT DATABecause operating in E49 Red reduced opportunities for on-campus transmission, and because of the two-week holiday break, we will restart monitoring district transmission over the next two weeks and return to routine publication of school and district data on our dashboard.
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January Return to Learn Plan
As we bring our first semester to a close, we want to wish you a happy holiday season, and share a look ahead to our planned return to learn in January. We know the D49 Family does its best work in person, so we are determined to bring back in-person learning early in the spring semester. With the possibility that holiday gatherings and travel will extend our current level on the Colorado COVID-19 dial, our county health partners recommend we monitor health data for two full weeks after the New Year. That makes January 19 the best target to restart in-person learning.
We invite you to listen to an overview of our plan in this message from Peter Hilts, D49 Chief Education Officer.Like you, we can’t wait to see our schools filled with students and staff. The key for us is that when we come back in person, we want to stay back. We’ll stay attentive to county health conditions and re-populate our campuses in stages, just as we did in September, knowing that stability is just as important as speed.
Based on current trajectories and projections, our strategic sequence will go like this:
Week One:
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Jan. 6 - Staff will return to work under the on-site/remote conditions of E49 Red.
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Jan. 6 - District 49 will update and confirm our planned sequence based on county data levels and trends.
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Jan. 7 - Students will return to learn on remote status. Schools will use the first days of the semester to establish schedules and rosters for E-learning and to set a foundation for future in-person learning.
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Jan. 7 - Grab-and-go meal service will resume at all seven district locations.
Week Two:
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Jan. 11 - In the second week, we’ll bring staff back in person to manage E49 and prepare for students’ return.
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Jan. 11 - We will restart serving special populations on campus, and continue E49 for all students.
Week Three:
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Jan. 19 - In the third week (after MLK Day), we’ll restart our full-population, full-schedule in-person learning for PreK-2 students.
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We will continue E49 for all students 3-12
Week Four:
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Jan. 25 - In the fourth week we’ll add grades 3-5 to the elementary schedule.
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Jan. 25 - In the fourth week we’ll also reestablish the 50-50 in-person/E-learning hybrid for middle and high schools
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For PreK-12 students who choose E-learning, we’ll continue that service through the semester
*If county conditions degrade and county partners advise us it is too risky to return, we will announce that adjustment as soon as we get that guidance. Otherwise, weeks 1-4 will correspond to the four weeks of January and the dates above.
Several encouraging factors are building our confidence about this strategic return to in-person learning. After Thanksgiving, we didn’t see a surge in cases that would endanger our neighbors and overwhelm our hospitals. So, as current risk levels are slowly improving, we are counting on our community to lead us into January with stable or improving conditions.
We’ll continue with our safety system, the washing, disinfecting, masking and distancing that helped us keep at-school transmission to a minimum. We will also start the semester under new guidance from the governor’s back-to-school roadmap that reduces the impact of precautionary quarantines, and gives us better methods for targeted contact tracing. And, we’ll emphasize personal responsibility for symptom checking to make sure no one comes to school or work when they don’t feel 100%. District 49 is also working directly with county leaders and third-party providers to provide dedicated testing times for district personnel to complete free, as-needed PCR testing, the most reliable option available.
We also know the vaccine is coming, and that’s a source of greater hope for our long-term return to normalcy. Based on current planning, school staff are in priority group two to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The two-dose inoculation takes four weeks to administer, and six weeks for an individual to reach full immunity. That schedule, plus the slow ramp up of available doses, means that we won’t really see the large-scale benefit of vaccinations until after spring break. Accordingly, we expect to maintain our safety system through the end of the school year.
With all that we’ve endured, and all that we hope, we trust you will have a true holiday break with meaningful and refreshing time for yourselves and your families. Knowing that promising days are ahead, have a wonderful holiday, and we’ll see you in the new year.
Sincerely,
Peter Hilts, Chief Education Officer
Brett Ridgway, Chief Business Officer
Pedro Almeida, Chief Operations Officer
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D49 El Paso County COVID Data Update Dec. 14, 2020
OVERVIEWKey measures of population health have stabilized in the severe risk band, with some fluctuation and volatility over the past week. The current plateau is unpredictable, but unlikely to remain stable into the new year. Clearly, community transmission, infection, and case rates surged into the Thanksgiving holiday, but just as clearly, we didn’t see a surge coming out of that holiday. El Paso County continues in Level Red—Severe Risk based on levels and trends across the three key metrics of case rate, positivity rate, and hospital burden. All three indicators are at critical levels. Because schools operate downstream from the community, we are directly subject to severe risk conditions.IMPLICATIONS of E49 REDFor students, the implication is that most learning services are now delivered remotely, using online platforms and communications to facilitate instruction, interventions, and assessment. For some student groups, and for some specialized services, we continue providing opportunities for in-person, small group educational and other services. For students, there are minimal differences between E49 Orange and E49 Red.For educators, most educational delivery is delivered remotely, but we have directed principals and other supervisors to manage workforce schedules to achieve a maximum of 50% of workforce presence on site. Practically, this means that most educators and other colleagues will move closer to working on site two or three days a week, with some colleagues still working primarily or exclusively from the worksite, while others work primarily or exclusively from home.We are still scheduling administrators, professional-technical, and education support personnel to maintain in-person service for our public-facing mission, and to sustain work that requires presence at specific locations.We await new guidance from the Governor’s back-to-school committee that will incorporate protocols for quarantines, athletics, mask wearing, and advance guidance about vaccination schedules.HEALTH DATA
County health data has degraded substantially over the past 15 weeks, with adverse levels and erratic trends.
https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/ covid19data-dashboard On the three key population health measures, this is the status as of Monday morning, December 14, 2020:Summary Chart:Key Measure #1: 14-Day Incidence per 100,000 *Lower is better
Rating: EXTREME RISK Level with Adverse Trend
The Case Rate has declined slightly from 1177 last Monday to 1144 today. This metric remains in the “Extreme Risk" range (>350).Key Measure #2: Daily PCR Test Positivity (14-Day Average) *Lower is better
Rating: HIGH RISK Level with Stable Trend
The test positivity rate is at 14.06% today, above the public health target (maximum) of 5%. We want that number lower, so it is a matter of significant concern that the positive rating has held between 14 and 15% for weeks. The average turnaround time for test is stable at 2.59 days. Due to logistics realities for collection, transfer to lab, and lab processes, any average turnaround under two days is near optimal.Key Measure #3: Community Health Agency Burden
Rating: POOR/STRAINED with Adverse (Increasing) Trend
This measure is a composite of hospitalization and death rates, which reveal the intensity of infectious spread and resulting illness. Although it is a self-reported measure with some subjectivity, the fact that total hospitalizations has increased since early October is an indicator of increasing burden on hospital facilities and services. Note that hospitalizations are a lagging indicator following case rates and test positivity by approximately 10-14 days.Although I have not previously included death rate data, that metric has become increasingly significant, not only because of the impact on our health systems, but also because death in the community is traumatic as it causes ripples of grief and fear. The ten most deadly days of this pandemic all occurred during the past month, so we are seeing increased mental health and personal impacts across our community and in the communities that make up District 49.DISTRICT INCIDENT DATA (Four-Week Lookback)
Rating: CONCERNING LEVEL with Declining TrendFor this measure, I will link to the district dashboard which captures and presents the data I have previously reported from a previous database.Although we remain in E49, we are still tracking and reporting exposure, transmission, exclusion, and quarantine data as a baseline to consider for our return to learn planning.
Return To Learn
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We are pleased to announce that District 49 will return from Spring Break on March 29 with a full-schedule, full-population model for all grades to complete the school year.
Public Health Data
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El Paso County Public Health COVID-19 Data Dashboard.
The data graphs in the the D49 weekly update come from the EPCPH Data Dashboard.
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CO COVID Dial Update 11-2-20
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment: Governor's Public Health Order 20-36
COVID-19 Dial -
In-Person Learning in the Time of COVID
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment: The costs and benefits of in-person learning during rising cases in Colorado
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"Doing My Part, Help Colorado Now"
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Colorado Department of Education Resources for Schools
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Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment