Updated COVID-19 Protocol Aug 17, 2021
The safety and health of our students is once again in the forefront. The spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant is rapidly increasing, and Oakland County is currently in a zone identified as one of substantial transmission.
We ask for your support for the most effective measures in keeping all members within our Mercy community healthy and in-person during this school year:
Vaccinations: Vaccination is proven as the primary leading public health COVID-19 prevention strategy. We recommend that all eligible students and staff receive vaccines in order to maintain in-person learning, extracurricular activities and sports - as well as to support our care and concern for the health of the overall Mercy community.
- Speak to your health care provider, or visit Oakland County’s Get Vaccinated site for appointment information.
- Proof of vaccination may be required in cases of confirmed exposure in order to determine quarantine procedures.
Facial Masks: Preliminary evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people who do become infected with the Delta variant can spread the virus to others. For this reason, Mercy High School strongly encourages the use of facial masks at all times when on the school grounds for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students and staff.
- Per CDC order, facial coverings are still mandated to be worn by those on all public transportation, including school buses.
- Face coverings will be required of all students and staff in large gathering spaces when social distancing measures cannot be reasonably accommodated, such as all school Masses and assemblies.
- Students are encouraged to carry personal masks in the event they engage in activities throughout the school day that may not allow for social distancing.
Health Protocols: Daily screening check-ins are not in effect this year; however anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or feeling ill should not enter the building. Students who are ill must stay at home.
- We continue to follow CDC guidance regarding cleaning and disinfecting the building. Hand sanitizing stations remain in place throughout the school.
- Whenever possible, 3’ social distancing will be enforced. Students are encouraged to social distance in common areas.
- We encourage students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, to get tested for COVID-19 if experiencing symptoms or if they are a close contact of someone who has COVID-19.
Quarantine Guidelines: We will continue to work with the Oakland County Health Department in enforcing quarantine protocol when contract tracing COVID-19 exposures.
- Unvaccinated individuals are at higher risk for mandatory quarantining if exposed to COVID-19.
Outlined protocol is subject to change in this ever evolving situation. Thank you for your support as we work in partnership to safely bring our students back to five day in-person learning, with many of the cherished routines and traditions that make a Mercy education excellent and unique!