To that end and in line with our policy of adjusting mitigation efforts to match local community conditions, we are requiring all CDS students, PreK-3 through grade 12, faculty, staff, and visitors to wear masks when they are indoors on campus until this recent surge abates. We will continuously review community numbers and adjust as soon as rates of infection are again at moderate levels.
I know this decision will be popular with some and disappointing to others. We continue to consult with experts and health agencies as we look to thoughtfully develop a long-term policy, knowing that Covid in some form is most likely here to stay. We will continue to actively investigate and formulate that long-term policy for the time when Covid is endemic. Until that time, I am asking for your patience and partnership as we stay consistent in following the plans we put in place for this year, layering mitigation efforts to reduce the risk of community spread on campus with the goal of keeping as many of our students and faculty as possible healthy, safe, and in school. If there is an infection or exposure, we will follow our protocols with the recommended shortened isolation and quarantine periods, linked here.
In addition to masks, we will do our best to enforce physical distancing requirements in classrooms, the student union, and hallways as well as good hand hygiene. We ask for your support in discussing these expectations with your children at home so they are prepared to follow the rules while at school. Please remember to keep your child home if they are not feeling well, in accordance with our school Sick Day Policy.
Medical guidance still indicates that vaccination is our best defense against severe Covid and CDS encourages all eligible adults and students to get vaccinated and boosted. Our first vaccination clinic was a huge success. Sign ups are open for the next one on January 13 at 3:00 pm in the Student Union. Covid shots for adults or children as well as seasonal flu shots are available.
I can't thank you enough for your support as we have navigated the past two years together. I know we all look forward to a time when mitigation efforts are not necessary. Until then, know we will stay abreast of all relevant developments and communicate any changes to policy as soon as possible.
With gratitude,