Puyallup Schools Make Changes To Handle COVID Outbreaks

PUYALLUP, WA — The Puyallup School District made a series of changes this week as it works to adapt to the challenges of in-person instruction amid COVID-19 complications.

School hasn't been in session for two months yet, but the district has already logged 202 positive COVID-19 cases in students and staff. According to the district's latest COVID data update, that's forced them to put 1,331 students in quarantine.

23,222 students attend the Puyallup School District's 36 schools.

That's a significant chunk of students who have had their learning disrupted by COVID quarantining, and in response the district is updating its protocol to combat the issue.

Perhaps the biggest of the three changes announced this week, is that the district has decided to shorten the amount of time students need to quarantine after being in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Initially, the district asked potentially-infected students and staff to stay home for 14 days after contact. Under the new protocol, which the district says was crafted with input from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, close contacts only need to stay home for a 10-day period.

Close contacts are still expected to keep checking for COVID symptoms for the full 14 days, and are asked to let the school know if they develop symptoms, but the district hopes the move will allow students to get back in the classroom sooner. The change even applies to students who are currently in quarantine.

Another change is the addition of a new contact tracing hotline, which school leaders hope will clear up any questions about COVID exposure and quarantine. Parents who receive exposure notifications are invited to call the hotline at (253) 435-6700 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The school says contact tracing team members will be available to answer any safety questions parents may have.

Finally, in an effort to help students adapt to challenges posed by the pandemic, the Puyallup School District has announced a partnership with Hazel Health to offer free telehealth services for students and their families. According to a news release from the district, all Puyallup students are eligible to receive six virtual sessions of mental health care, and unlimited physical health care through the program. Families can access the telehealth service by signing up online, by calling Hazel Health at (253) 215-8700 or their child's school counselor.

Related: See How Much Pandemic Aid Is Going To Puyallup Schools