2022–23 School Year COVID Information
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has released updated guidance for schools to follow during the 2022-23 school year. Here are a few important updates to be aware of.
Health and Safety Requirements for this school year:
Many requirements from last school year are now recommended strategies in the updated Guidance to Prevent and Respond to COVID-19 in K-12 Schools and Child Cares. The Department of Health will continue to provide COVID-19 prevention and control guidance based on existing science, strategies, and the most recent health recommendations, to protect school and child care communities and reduce COVID-19 transmission and outbreaks. Schools and child care providers may choose to layer protective measures or strategies to help ensure students, children, and staff can continue in-person activities safely.
All COVID-19 cases, outbreaks, and suspected outbreaks in schools and child care settings are now treated like other notifiable conditions such as chicken pox, and are required to be reported to the Local Health Jurisdiction (LHJ) in accordance with Washington State law (WAC 246-101). Schools, child care providers, and the general public are required to work with public health representatives as they investigate COVID cases and outbreaks that may be associated with the school or child care (RCW 705.070).
The requirement for school employees, volunteers, and educational contractors to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is no longer in effect (the governor’s proclamation expired on October 31, 2022).
Employers are required to follow L&I requirements regarding COVID-19 in the workplace.
Contact:
Corina McEntire
ESD 112 COVID Coordinator
COVID-19 Resources
- Washington State COVID-19 Data Dashboard
- Department of Health Resources & Recommendations (see Schools and Child Care)
- Learn to Return
- OSPI COVID Guidance & Resources
- CDC Page for Schools and Child Care
- Find a Vaccination or Booster Location
- COVID Symptom Flow Chart (August 2022)
- Testing in Schools