January 14, 2022 - COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin
As we enter the summer months and embark upon the new school year, the Office of Catholic Schools has outlined below minimum COVID-19 safety guidelines for the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin effective June 6, 2021. These guidelines will be reviewed and updated as needed throughout the year based on the most up-to-date information available.
In order to mitigate the spread of the virus, we will continue to monitor vaccination rates, and guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Texas Education Agency (TEA), Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department (TCCB ED), Diocese of Austin and public health officials, as we strive to provide safe and healthy learning environments for our students and keep our schools open with face-to-face instruction in the 2021-2022 school year.

Masks are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with every day preventive actions and social distancing in public settings.

Wear your Mask Correctly

• Wash your hands before putting on your mask

• Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin

• Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face

• Make sure you can breathe easily

Wear a Mask to Protect Others

• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect others in case you’re infected with COVID-19 but don’t have symptoms

• Wear a mask in public settings when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when it may be difficult for you to stay six feet apart

• Wear a mask correctly for maximum protection

• Don’t put the mask around your neck or up on your forehead

• Don’t touch the mask, and, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to disinfect​

Follow Everyday Health Habits

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others

• Avoid contact with people who are sick

• Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds each time

• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available

Take Off Your Mask Carefully, When You’re Home

• Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops

• Handle only by the ear loops or ties

• Fold outside corners together

• Place mask in the washing machine (learn more about how to wash masks)

• Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-coverings.html

Masks should be washed after each use. It is important to always remove masks correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used mask.

Washing machine

• You can include your mask with your regular laundry.

• Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the mask.

Washing by hand

• Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:

  • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) household bleach per gallon of room temperature water or

  • 4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water

• Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection. Some bleach products, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing, may not be suitable for disinfection. Ensure the bleach product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.

• Soak the mask in the bleach solution for 5 minutes.

• Rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water.

Dryer

• Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry.

Air dry

• Lay flat and allow to completely dry. If possible, place the mask in direct sunlight.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wash-cloth-face-coverings.html