Friday, November 20, 2020

A Message from the Superintendent

Friday's message from Superintendent Sue Charochak is replicated below for your reference.

I am writing to share a reminder for all families regarding our travel guidance as well as a reminder of the Governor’s Order of Nov. 6, 2020 with new regulations on both public and private gatherings. This year it is hard to balance our desire to celebrate the holidays with loved ones and the growing risk of COVID-19 infection. Travel or gathering does increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, so we are asking families to think about how they can make their holiday plans safer. As the virus continues to spread throughout the country, we encourage families to make safe choices about travel and gathering this holiday season.

Effective August 1, 2020, Governor Baker issued an Order outlining restrictions on travel for people coming into Massachusetts, including Massachusetts residents returning to Massachusetts. In accordance with these guidelines, the City of Beverly and the Beverly Public Schools have issued the following out of state travel notification.

The travel policy requires those who travel out of state to follow the necessary quarantine procedures. You will need to remain quarantined for 
  • at least 14 days from the date of your return to Massachusetts; or
  • or if the individual has received a negative result from a DPH approved (PCR) COVID-19 test result that has been administered after 72-hours following their arrival in Massachusetts. (Please note that the time of 72 hours following return to Massachusetts is a local municipal order for city employees and differs slightly from the State DPH guidance.
Individuals can avoid the 14 day quarantine requirement if they are coming from a designated lower risk state as outlined by the Order. The list of lower risk states is regularly updated and can be found here. Students who travel out of state must comply with these regulations before returning to school.

Further, effective on November 6, 2020, Governor Baker has implemented new restrictions on gatherings both in public places and in private homes. The revised Order can be found here. Of note, this Order limits private gatherings indoors to no more than 10 people and gatherings outdoors to no more than 25 people. The Order also requires social distancing and face coverings at all gatherings that include individuals outside the household.

While I understand how challenging this COVID-19 pandemic has been and the desire to spend time with family and friends, we all must work together to limit the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and for your continued partnership as we work together to navigate the challenges of COVID-19.

Sue Charochak, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools