Dear SFUSD staff,

I hope you are enjoying a safe and restorative holiday season.

As we prepare to return to school in the new year on January 3, we want to share some important reminders to help reduce the spread and lessen the severity of COVID-19 in our community. 

If you have not done so already, please get your COVID-19 booster immediately if you are eligible. Public health agencies are urging all eligible individuals to get vaccinated to prevent the worst symptoms of COVID-19, and to get boosted to obtain an extra dose of protection. 

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

COVID-19 boosters provide extra protection quickly to offer protection against COVID-19 and its variants, including Omicron. Every person counts when it comes to boosters right now, as according to DPH, the primary dose vaccination series may not be enough to prevent the spread of infection, severe illness, or hospitalization. The benefits of a booster dose begin to rise in just a few days and reach maximum effectiveness in a week.   

Even though the demand for COVID-19 boosters remains high, the SFUSD community can access free COVID-19 vaccines and boosters in multiple ways and we continue to work with SFDPH to share more opportunities:

• Make an appointment through your primary healthcare provider;
• Visit sf.gov/getvaccinated or call SFDPH COVID Resource Center at 629-652-2700 to check availability and/or make an appointment at a vaccination clinic near you;
• Drop-in Monday to Friday at the following locations (while supplies last):
  • ZSFG (1001 Potrero Ave, Bldg 30)  
  • Southeast Health Center (2401 Keith Street)  
  • Chinese Hospital (845 Jackson Street)  
  • Kaiser Tent (2350 Geary Blvd) 

COVID-19 Testing

Proactive testing before returning can prevent exposures, outbreaks and unnecessary missed days for SFUSD staff and students. While it is not required, SFDPH recommends that all students and staff get tested for COVID-19 one to two days before returning to school regardless of vaccination status, even if asymptomatic. 

SFUSD strongly encourages staff and students to access COVID-19 tests at any location where it is available throughout San Francisco before returning to school, which includes your primary health care provider and community and public testing sites. 

When we return from winter break, SFUSD will continue to offer COVID-19 testing for the SFUSD community through Color and Safer Together (Jan 2-9) in the new year.

For more information about COVID-19 testing, or to find a testing site near you, visit sf.gov/gettested or call SFDPH’s COVID Resource Center at 628-652-2700.

Make the Most of your Mask

Wear an N95 or well fitted “double” mask  (cloth on top of surgical/disposable mask) to improve the seal of the mask to the face. A well-fitted mask that can be comfortably worn is still most important. All students and adults must wear a mask or face covering that covers their nose, mouth and chin at all times, except while eating, drinking, or taking a nap. Only individuals with a documented medical reason to not wear a face covering will be exempt.

Health and Safety Protocol Reminders

SFUSD is actively following health and safety protocols in compliance with public health guidance to curb the spread of COVID-19, so that our schools can remain a safe, welcoming, and healthy environment. Please conduct a daily health screening before coming to school every day, and follow the quarantine and isolation procedures if you tested positive or have been identified as a close contact. 

The SF Department of Public Health (SFDPH) has assured us that San Francisco is relatively well positioned to handle COVID-19 and its variants because of our high vaccination rates, our high booster uptake, and other health measures such as masking and testing.

We recognize that as long as there is COVID-19 in the community, there will be cases in schools. Let’s do our part to help keep our schools and community safe from COVID-19, including getting vaccinated and boosted today.

Thank you to each and every one of you for your service to SFUSD students and families. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Vincent Matthews