Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, announced that the state will reassess changes to California’s indoor mask requirements for schools in two weeks, on February 28, citing falling case rates and hospitalizations across California and the nation.

Orange County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau sent a letter to the California Department of Public Health to propose using hospitalization rates and ICU capacities as the basis for making mask mandate decisions impacting schools. 

Earlier this week, state officials confirmed that although California’s temporary mask mandate for indoor public spaces will expire after Feb. 15, face-covering mandates for TK-12 schools remain in place.  The state's guidance for TK-12 schools, issued in July 2021, requires students, staff and visitors on school campuses to wear face coverings…

Please see this article for reminders and information about free COVID-19 testing resources for IUSD students and staff.

IUSD's 41st Annual Science Fair is open until Feb. 4 and features a range of innovative science projects from IUSD students in grades 6-12, including students enrolled in the IUSD Virtual Academy.  Click this article to access the virtual link.

Please read this update to our December 30 communication, which includes information regarding COVID-19 testing resources, isolation periods, contact tracing, vaccine status, school safety and what our community can do to support these efforts.  

We hope you are continuing to enjoy the winter break.  As we prepare for school to resume on Monday, January 3, please take a moment to review the following important health and safety information and reminders. 

Superintendent Walker's message of gratitude, to the IUSD community, includes important reminders to help keep schools safe, along with mental health and wellness resources and supports for students and families. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that children ages 5-11 are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.  This article provides links to resources and information about COVID-19 vaccines and convenient clinic locations in Irvine to receive the vaccine for all eligible groups.   

In July, the California Department of Public Health released updated guidance for TK-12 schools that requires students, staff and visitors to wear face coverings while indoors on school campuses.  On Oct. 20, the CDPH announced that face covering requirements will continue through the winter.  Also included is information about face coverings for…