Staff Update 4/9/20

Guidance on San Bernardino County Public Health Order for Face Coverings

In an effort to protect the public from further spread of COVID-19, the County’s Acting Health Officer yesterday formally ordered everyone in San Bernardino County to wear a face covering when leaving home. SBCSS sought further clarification on this order from Department of Public Health (DPH) to determine how the order applies to those essential employees in workplace settings.

At this time, DPH has informed us that the order does apply to SBCSS essential employees working at administrative office or school sites and/or any employees engaging in interactions with members of the public or in public settings. The full order can be found here.

According to DPH, face coverings may include coverings that secure to the ears or back of the head and encompass the mouth and nose. Homemade cloth ear loop covers, bandannas and handkerchiefs, and neck gaiters may be used to reduce the spread of COVID-19 particularly among asymptomatic people. Surgical masks and N95 masks must be preserved for healthcare workers and emergency responders.

For essential SBCSS employees reporting to work sites and / or interacting with members of the public due to essential tasks, disposable masks can be ordered from the Stores catalog using the following description and catalog numbers:

  • Catalog # 100014 - Masks, Flat Disposable with ear loops, 50/box
  • Catalog # 100015 - Masks, Flat Disposable with ear loops, 100/box

For additional information on face coverings for public use, visit the California DPH website. Face coverings are not a replacement for other preventive measures such as physical distancing, frequent hand washing practices, and remaining at home when not doing essential activities.

Please be advised that DPH has informed us that this is initial guidance and further guidance may be provided next week. We will continue to keep staff informed of any updates.

Staff Update 4/13/20

Deep Cleaning Scheduled for Tri-City CCS

Today and tomorrow (April 13-14), Maintenance, Operations and Transportation will continue its deep disinfectant cleaning at Tri-City County Community School in San Bernardino. During the cleaning period, all staff members are asked not to be present while the process is completed. Once more SBCSS sites cleaning schedules are confirmed, updates will be shared with staff.

Staff Update 4/23/20

Deep Cleaning April 25-26 at Roy C Hill and Brier Building

Maintenance, Operations and Transportation will be conducting the second phase of deep disinfectant cleaning at the Roy C Hill Education Center (601) and the Brier Building. The process will take place this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26 beginning at 7 a.m.

During the cleaning period, all staff members are asked not to be present while the process is completed. Once more SBCSS sites cleaning schedules are confirmed, updates will be shared with staff.

The SBCSS continues to monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools is monitoring the COVID-19 updates. This situation is very FLUID with updates and changes coming quickly. The SBCSS is monitoring the California Department of Public Health website for guidance and collaborating with San Bernardino County Department of Public Health.

Currently, here's what we know:

  • San Bernardino County still does not have a confirmed case of coronavirus.
  • Our SBCSS schools remain open.
  • The state Department of Public Health issued guidance to limit non-essential public gatherings (see below).
  • SBCSS is canceling all events per this guidance. This includes large gatherings that include 250 people or more, as well as smaller gatherings held in venues that do not allow for social distancing of six feet per person through the end of March 2020.
  • County Schools’ activated our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to monitor preparedness and responses.

Today, here's how you can help! Health officials recommend everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water at least for 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

We will keep staff informed of any new developments.

While the Center for Disease Control does not generally issue advisories or restrictions for travel within the United States. However, cases of COVID-19 have been reported in many states, and some areas are experiencing community spread of the disease. As such, the SBCSS is restricting all non-essential travel.

We understand there are many questions and information circulating regarding additional measures that may impact public schools. We urge our SBCSS team members to monitor County Schools’ website: https://www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/index.php/superintendent/communications/covid-19-information

Based on a regional approach and guidance from Public Health, the SBCSS EOC remains focused on two resources:

The Governor issued this news release last night:

Published: Mar 11, 2020

State public health experts announce that gatherings with 250 people or more should be rescheduled or canceled. Smaller gatherings can proceed if organizers implement 6 feet of social distancing

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California public health officials this evening issued an updated policy on gatherings to protect public health and slow the spread of COVID-19. The state’s public health experts have determined that gatherings should be postponed or canceled across the state until at least the end of March. Non-essential gatherings must be limited to no more than 250 people, while smaller events can proceed only if the organizers can implement social distancing of 6 feet per person. Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people, while also following social distancing guidelines.

“Changing our actions for a short period of time will save the life of one or more people you know,” said Governor Newsom. “That’s the choice before us. Each of us has extraordinary power to slow the spread of this disease. Not holding that concert or community event can have cascading effects — saving dozens of lives and preserving critical health care resources that your family may need a month from now. The people in our lives who are most at risk – seniors and those with underlying health conditions — are depending on all of us to make the right choice.”

The state’s updated policy defines a “gathering” as any event or convening that brings together people in a single room or single space at the same time, such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, cafeteria, or any other indoor or outdoor space.

This guidance applies to all non-essential professional, social and community gatherings regardless of their sponsor.

Essential gatherings should only be conducted if the essential activity could not be postponed or achieved without gathering, meaning that some other means of communication could not be used to conduct the essential function.

The full policy can be found here.

“These changes will cause real stress — especially for families and businesses least equipped financially to deal with them. The state of California is working closely with businesses who will feel the economic shock of these changes, and we are mobilizing every level of government to help families as they persevere through this global health crisis,” added Governor Newsom.

State Efforts to Assist California Workers

California will continue acting swiftly to help workers hurt by COVID-19. Affected workers can visit the Labor & Workforce Development Agency’s website to review what benefits are available to them. For instance,

  • If you’re unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 you may qualify for Paid Family Leave (PFL).
  • If you’re unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness, you may qualify for Disability Insurance. Those who have lost a job or have had their hours reduced for reasons related to COVID-19 may be able to partially recover their wages by filing an unemployment insurance claim.
  • If a worker or a family member is sick or for preventative care when civil authorities recommend quarantine, workers may use accrued paid sick leave in accordance with the law.
  • If workers are unable to do their usual job because they were exposed to and contracted COVID-19 during the regular course of their work, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. All information and resources can be found at Labor.Ca.Gov/Coronavirus2019

Staff Update - 3/16/20

Thank you to all of our San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools’ team members for your ongoing commitment to our students, families and client school districts. We understand the COVID-19 health emergency continues to create uncertainly for staff, students and families.

On March 15, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued new recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19, outlining sweeping changes to our work and personal lives. The governor provided "GUIDANCE" to individuals 65 and older — and those in high-risk categories — to shelter in place at home. He also called for certain public establishments to temporarily shut down. In addition, President Donald Trump instructed Americans to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people for the next 15 days. This is a fluid situation and SBCSS is working to provide our staff with the most current and clear guidance in order to keep our employees and those we serve healthy and safe.

In addition to the items noted above, the Governor’s executive order calls upon school districts and county offices of education to:

  • Continue delivering high-quality education opportunities to students to the extent feasible through options such as distance learning and independent study;
  • Provide school meals;
  • Arrange for, to the extent practicable, supervision for students during ordinary school hours; and
  • Continue to pay its employees.

With respect to these four items, SBCSS has spent the last two days distinguishing between "essential" and "nonessential" personnel. Please understand that all of our employees are critical to our continued SBCSS operation and our school districts services in San Bernardino County. The terms essential and non-essential simply defines two categories of employees. Essential employees will continue to report to work in order to ensure SBCSS is fulfilling the Governor’s order.

  • Essential Employees: If you have been identified as an "essential employee," you will be contacted by your supervisor and asked to report to work per your supervisor's direction.
  • Non-Essential Employees: If you have been identified as a "non-essential employee," you will be informed by your supervisor. You will be released and NOT report to work until further notice.

Effective March 17, 2020 and until further notice, the following non-essential employee protocols will be in place:

  1. Employees must be available to perform and/or return to work on an as-needed basis or if you are directed to do so by your supervisor to perform necessary work;
  2. Employees are asked to check email daily (if available); follow SBCSS staff updates on eNet, or to contact their supervisor by phone for updates;

Employees on Leave: All employees (essential and non-essential) currently on paid or unpaid leave, may continue those leaves during the school closure dates. Employees can contact Human Resources with questions concerning Leave.

Government Code 3100: As a reminder, public school employees can be required to perform regularly assigned work during an emergency as disaster service workers under Government Code 3100:

It is hereby declared that the protection of the health and safety and preservation of the lives and property of the people of the state from the effects of natural, manmade, or war-caused emergencies which result in conditions of disaster or in extreme peril to life, property, and resources is of paramount state importance requiring the responsible efforts of public and private agencies and individual citizens. In furtherance of the exercise of the police power of the state in protection of its citizens and resources, all public employees are hereby declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Employees 65 and older: SBCSS employees who are 65 or older or who have underlying medical issues defined by CDC (see below) are strongly encouraged to exercise good judgement and follow the guidance issued by the Governor. If you are an employee in this group, please contact your supervisor if you need to take leave.

Appendix A: Underlying medical conditions that may increase the risk of serious COVID-19 for individuals of any age.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community-mitigation-strategy.pdf

More detailed guidance for California’s schools is expected to be released on Tuesday, March 17. We will continue to keep staff members informed of any future updates and any changes to work status.All Governance Meetings at the West End SELPA have been cancelled until further notice

Staff Update - 3/23/20

In our efforts to provide printing services for essential needs during this time of school closures and reduced staffing, the SBCSS Print Shop will be operating on Tuesdays and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Print requests can be submitted using online print services at http://printshop.sbcss.k12.ca.us .

In the event you have an urgent printing need that cannot be met on the days noted (Tuesdays and Thursdays), back-up plans are in place to make sure organizational printing needs are met. For questions and urgent printing needs, please contact Jason Krey by email or at 909-386-2655.

Thank you,
Communications

As you are well aware, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is creating anxiety and concern in our communities. In the interest of the health and safety of students, a number of San Bernardino County school districts made the decision to close school today, in efforts to minimize the impact of the virus on students and families.

As you know, district and school closures impact the operation of county operated programs and have implications for employees reporting to work. In order to provide our employees with current and accurate information regarding duty status and leave provisions, the following procedures, which align with the Governor's Executive Order N-26-20, apply:

When an employee is directed to leave the site or not report to the site by an authorized administrator, then it is determined to be leave with pay. This would include school closures directed by the County Superintendent or his designee, or school closures directed by school districts.

All SBCSS administrative sites will remain open, regardless of school district closures. All staff that work at SBCSS administrative sites are to report to work.

Regardless of worksite, all certificated management/administrators and classified management employees are to report to work.

SBCSS certificated and classified employees that provide services at a school district site that is closed DO NOT report to work during the district closure beginning March 16.

Certificated and classified non-management employees that provide services in school districts that are not closing and continuing to serve students, are to report for regular duty assignment on March 16. These include: Baker Valley, Needles, Trona Jt. and Juvenile Hall.

Certificated and classified non-management employees at SBCSS stand-alone school sites and state preschools DO NOT report to work beginning March 16 until further notice.

Should you have any questions, please contact Human Resources: 909-386-9584 (classified); 909-386-9575 (certificated).

Staff Update - Q&A - 3/13/20

In speaking to SBCSS labor representatives today, the following questions have come from the field:

What if I think I am sick?

Remain at home until fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider or local public health department first before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

Workplace safety and health regulations in California require employers to protect workers exposed to airborne infectious diseases such as the coronavirus. Cal/OSHA has posted guidance to help employers comply with these safety requirements and to provide workers information on how to protect themselves. https://www.labor.ca.gov/Coronavirus2019/

Are schools going to close?

At this time it has been determined that schools are essential and are remaining open. This guidance is the most recent found on the SBCSS COVID-19 website dated March 11, 2020.

The goal of this recommendation is to prevent people physically coming together unnecessarily, where people who have the infection can easily spread it to others. This guidance does not apply to activities such as attendance at regular school classes, work, or essential services.
Certain activities are essential to the functioning of our state and must continue. Hence, this does not apply to essential public transportation, airport travel, or shopping at a store or mall. Other specific guidance can be found on the CDPH website to help people take actions that can protect them in those settings. https://www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/images/Documents/comm/coronavirus/SBCBOS-coronavirus-large-gatherings-PR_3-12-2020.pdf


If the schools are closed, will you make up the days and time at the end of the year?

At this time we are following the most recent guidance that indicates schools are essential and are remaining open. This guidance is the most recent found on the SBCSS COVID-19 website dated March 11, 2020. https://www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/images/Documents/comm/coronavirus/SBCBOS-coronavirus-large-gatherings-PR_3-12-2020.pdf


Will CALSTRS service credit be impacted?

School closures and service credit response from CALSTRS website:
School districts, community college districts, county offices of education or other governing bodies determine school closures based on their own assessments. These decisions could impact members’ service credit depending on how the employer handles the closure. The CalSTRS Member Account Services division will review each closure on a case-by-case basis to determine any impact to service credit.

CalSTRS is proactively communicating to employers about the potential impact that school closures could have on service credit for our teacher members and we are providing information for them to consider in making these decisions. We are also encouraging our employers to contact CalSTRS Member Account Services Division if they have questions about the implications of closures. https://www.calstrs.com/post/updates-calstrs-coronavirus


Will CALPERS service credit be impacted?

At this time CALPERS has a corona virus link where they address COVID-19. We are closely monitoring this information and will provide further guidance as it is provided. https://www.calpers.ca.gov/page/active-members/health-benefits/plans-and-rates/coronavirus

How do we get the necessary school supplies for schools?

Please work with your principles and Area Directors to obtain any necessary supplies for your classrooms and school sites.

Are there telecommuting options for employees?

Employees are reporting to work and following standard procedures. We are monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis. We as the that the following precautions be taken: Health officials recommend everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
* Stay home when you are sick.
* Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
County Schools is working closely with San Bernardino County Department of Public Health to keep school communities informed and provide resources schools can use to inform their students and families.

What happens if people are out of sick leave?

The standard operating procedures for sick and extended leave apply. Physician documentation will be submitted to Human Resources. Employees are encouraged to read their collective bargaining agreements and be familiar with their leave balances in order to appropriately use their leave. Feel free to contact your Human Resources Technician for further information.

What are the traveling guidelines?

Schools may need to postpone or cancel trips that could expose students and staff to potential community spread of COVID-19. Students returning from travel to areas with community spread of COVID-19 must follow guidance they have received from health officials. COVID-19 information for travel is updated regularly on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

What if our colleagues and coworkers are sick?

There are currently no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in San Bernardino County, no special precautions are required but it is recommended to continue to practice good public health hygiene. To prevent stigma and discrimination, it is important to remember that the risk of COVID-19 is not related to race, ethnicity, or culture. Do not make determinations of risk based on race or country of origin and be sure to maintain confidentiality of people with confirmed COVID-19. All San Bernardino County residents and visitors should continue to engage in regular activities and practice good public health hygiene as this is the height of flu season across the county. For the most updated information about COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Are we safe at work?

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health (DPH) continues to work with the CDC and the California Department of Public Health to respond to reports of Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) as the situation is quickly evolving.
The health risk from COVID-19 to the general public in San Bernardino County remains low at this time. No cases have been reported in the county. For the most updated information about COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

Staff Update - 3/18/20

First, thank you for your dedicated service to SBCSS during this national crisis. Our SBCSS team members have been amazing during a fluid, ever-changing and uncertain time in our history. As a reminder, the protocols for responding to the COVID-19 are directed through a county approach. At times, the messages from the federal government and state of California may be different than the circumstances facing San Bernardino County. SBCSS maintains consistent contact with our County Department of Public Health and our district partners. Here are a few updates and reminders:

  1. Employee Health: Your health is important to us; protect yourself. Please listen to your body. If you do not feel well, stay home or go home. Follow the normal procedure for your absence. Please communicate your family health challenges in general (not diagnosis) to supervisors so they are aware of individual situations. More specifically, if you experience symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, shortness of breath), call your health-care provider or local health department before seeking care.
  2. Employees 65 and older: SBCSS employees who are 65 or older or who have underlying medical issues defined by CDC. see the link below for additional information. On March 18, the San Bernardino County Public Health issued an order that “…strongly cautions that persons aged 65 years and older and person of any age with certain underlying health conditions are at increased risk should they contract COVID-19, and encourages them to self-quarantine.” If you are an employee in this group, please contact your supervisor, if you need to take leave.

    Appendix A: Underlying medical conditions that may increase the risk of serious COVID-19 for individuals of any age (in link below on Page 10):
    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community-mitigation-strategy.pdf

  3. Handwashing: Personal hygiene remains of great importance in the workspace (see attached graphic). Also, watch the following CDC hand washing video linked here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/prevention-handwashing.png
  4. Hourly Timesheets: Payroll is accepting timesheets scanned from the authorizing supervisor’s office with “scanned to payroll” noted on the timesheets. Timesheets without a supervisor’s authorizing signature are not accepted. We need to have all timesheets into Payroll by the normal due dates of March 24 for hourly and sub timesheets and April 10 for contract timesheets. Payroll will process all timesheets that are received by the deadlines, as per normal procedure. For questions, please call 909.386.9520.
  5. Telecommuting Agreement: As an alternative work platform for “essential” employees, the SBCSS has initiated a Telecommuting Agreement. Currently, this option is available for “essential,” unrepresented/management employees, that have the necessary SBCSS computer/ laptop and access. At a point in the future, telecommuting may be expanded to other employee groups.
  6. Mental Well-being: As the COVID-19 outbreak has led to increased social distancing and isolation, school and activity closures, and a shortage of supplies, many people are struggling with anxiety and a sense of overwhelm by emotion. During this trying time, it is extremely important to manage your own individual stress and focus on your mental well-being. We have many resources for you, some of which are specific to resources found in our medical programs, Blue Shield of California and Kaiser Permanente. Because this situation is fluid and ever-changing, periodically, we will provide you resources (see attached Managing Fear article).

 

Staff Update - 3/23/20

Greetings SBCSS Team Members:

Public health officials tell us that the cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces in key environments, including the workplace, is a best practice measure for the prevention of COVID-19.

As was shared last week, all SBCSS administrative sites are undergoing deep disinfectant cleaning on all surface areas, including cubicles, offices and ancillary areas (in accordance with Center for Disease Control guidance). These same measures will occur at SBCSS stand-alone school sites in the coming days.

Maintenance and Operations staff are asking all employees who are reporting to their worksite, to please practice the following:

When you leave your workspace for the day, please post a post-it note or tape a piece of paper on your office door or cubicle. This is to alert the custodial service crew to thoroughly clean the space, including desktops, keyboards, phones, etc.

Should you have any questions, please contact Ralph Alba, program manager, at 909-382-3560.

Be well.
Communications