As you know, the CDC put out an "Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Prevention" as a guide to getting kids back to in-person classes. Some school systems brought kids back for full-time in-class operations during the second half of the school year, some chose a hybrid model of part in-person and part virtual classes, and others continued remotely. The CDC states, "Evidence suggests that many K-12 schools that have strictly implemented prevention strategies have been able to open safely for in-person instruction and remain open."
However, the CDC's prevention strategies take some effort to activate. Some schools struggle with putting all the strategies in place for reopening, since they must include teachers, students, parents, administrators, special education instructors, facilities and custodial staff, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, etc.
Here are a few ways to help you identify and communicate effectively with ID solutions. Implementing these suggestions will boost your back-to-school plans over the summer to meet or exceed CDC guidelines.
Upgrade your student/employee ID system
Smart cards contain a lot of information. Not only could you include the basic demographical information (e.g., name, title/function, etc.), but it offers so much more flexibility. For instance, you could:
- Enable attendance tracking
- Offer cashless payment
- Allow students to check out equipment/books
In addition, when reopening under COVID-19 guidelines, your smart cards could track individuals who have or are:
- Received vaccination
- Tested negative recently
- Received a temperature scan that day
- At high risk of getting sick from COVID-19
The more you track and monitor your school community, the easier it will be to keep everyone safe, which leads to the next suggestion.
Install temperature screening terminals
CDC guidelines include checking everyone first thing in the morning for signs of illness. Specifically, if someone has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, they shouldn't be at school. A temperature screening terminal helps people socially distance themselves while checking their temperatures and can be located almost anywhere.
Ideally, you would have a temperature screening terminal in each classroom. This is a quick and easy way to check everyone in seconds before they enter a classroom. If this is outside your budget, consider getting a few and placing them at your school's entrance. Scan everyone who enters your building quickly and easily.
Use expiring screened stickers and fluorescent screened badges
To screen visitors, volunteers, and others you allow into your buildings each day, use an expiring "SCREENED" sticker with their visitor badges. This helps everyone know at a glance who is allowed in your building as well as who has been screened recently. Stickers come in many bright, highly noticeable colors and are preprinted with everything you need to know.
Other options include a "Sentry SuperBand," which is a colored plastic wristband with tabs, or a "Short Stay Tyvek Band," which is a colored paper wristband without tabs. They often use these wristbands at theme parks, pools, recreation centers, and other places to identify who can enter. They come either preprinted with "SCREENED" or blank for writing on.
Provide face shields for staff
Your teachers, support staff, cafeteria staff, and others will have double protection if they have face shields to wear over their masks. Worn together, a face shield and mask can prevent the spread of COVID and highly reduce the chances of being infected.
School nurses and special education teachers who are physically close to others in the building should wear both protective elements. Consider providing others who are at higher risk of catching the virus with face shields as well. Keep in mind ordering higher quantities of shields results in a lower cost per piece.
The important thing to remember is that a face shield worn alone isn't enough protection, but when worn with a face mask will protect the wearer better.
Replace your breakaway lanyards
The healthcare industry has long used anti-microbial breakaway lanyards for their medical staff and others. Consider getting these lanyards for teachers, administrative staff, cafeteria staff, custodial and maintenance staff, bus drivers, and others who wear their ID badges in and around your buildings.
Anti-microbial breakaway lanyards are made of a MicroWeave material that contains nanoparticle-coated fibers to inhibit the growth of germs. They also kill odor-causing bacteria. They're perfect for environments where germs are most likely to spread like schools.
Final thoughts
The CDC guidelines include implementing and layering prevention strategies, starting with correct use of masks and physical distancing. Adding any or all of the elements discussed above will offer even more layers of prevention tactics to your arsenal. While you're making plans for the 2021-2022 school year, consider how ID solutions will enhance your response to COVID and ease the concerns and fears of everyone involved.
Idesco is your source for ID solutions for K-12 school systems that go beyond a simple photo ID. Contact one of our ID Experts today at 1-800-336-1383 to talk about your options and what best meets your schools' needs and your budget. And remember, Idesco offers the lowest price of all ID solution providers—guaranteed!