December 11, 2020
Dear Manheim Township Staff and Families,
Please read below for important updates on (1) Governor Wolf’s recent restrictions regarding athletics and extracurriculars announced on December 10, (2) changes to the Universal Face Coverings, and (3) updated quarantine guidelines.
(1) Winter Athletics and K-12 Extracurriculars
Yesterday, Governor Wolf announced new statewide restrictions that include K-12 athletics and extracurricular activities. The Orders take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, and remain in effect until 8 a.m. on January 4, 2021. According to the most recent Order, all athletic and extracurricular activities sponsored or approved by a school entity’s governing body or administration are suspended. As we learn more information, or if additional restrictions are mandated, we will continue to update our athletic coaches and extracurricular advisors.
(2) Clarification on Universal Face Coverings
In accordance with the Department of Health’s most recent Order on November 23rd, all students and staff must continue to wear face coverings; however, the definition of a “face covering” has been clarified to mean the covering of the nose and mouth that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears or is wrapped around the lower face.
Additional clarification has now been provided to the district regarding the use of face shields. With this new Order, face shields are no longer permissible as an appropriate face covering except in cases where a medical or mental health condition or a disability precludes the wearing of a face covering in school. Effective Monday, December 14, the district will no longer allow face shields in the building unless used in coordination with a mask, or if there is a medical or mental health condition that precludes the wearing of a face covering in school. If this is the case, the individual will need to provide medical documentation (from the primary care provider) to the school health room (students) or human resources (staff) stating what that specific medical condition is that would permit the wearing of a face shield.
(3) New Guidelines for the Length of Quarantine
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the PA Department of Health (PADoH), as well as Penn Medicine have updated the guidelines for length of quarantine. The district is currently reviewing the new guidelines and will communicate with our families before the winter break regarding how the district will proceed with the new quarantine guidelines for students and staff.
In closing, thank you for your patience as we work through this information and most recent restrictions to ensure the safety of our students and staff. As a district, we will remain as responsive and communicative about these mandates and all other COVID related situations, as appropriate.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robin L. Felty
Superintendent of Schools