Covid-19 Protocol Update

NIA Covid-19 Protocol Update
Posted on 03/06/2021

Dear Newman Academy Parents,

Governor Greg Abbott earlier this week issued an Executive Order (GA-34) lifting the mask mandate in Texas and increasing capacity of all businesses and facilities in the State to 100 percent starting Wednesday, March 10th. In lifting the mandate the Governor stated, “COVID-19 has not disappeared, but it is clear from the recoveries, vaccinations, reduced hospitalizations, and safe practices that Texans are using that state mandates are no longer needed. Today's announcement does not abandon safe practices that Texans have mastered over the past year.”

So, we understand that there is a decrease in the severity of the pandemic, and also that the task of controlling the pandemic does not rest on a state mandate anymore, but on responsible citizens like us. 

Therefore, upon the advice of the Texas Education Agency, Newman International Academy will continue to uphold our current COVID-19 Policies and Procedures for the remainder of this school year. As has been the protocol all year, faculty/staff, students and visitors are required to wear masks. Students younger than 10, those with medical conditions or disabilities that prevents wearing a mask, anyone eating or drinking, anyone exercising outdoors or maintaining a safe distance from others, or anyone giving a speech to an audience, do not come under the mask requirement. If an individual has a medical condition that prevents wearing a mask, please contact the campus office for exemption procedure. Social distancing (min 6 ft apart) where possible, daily self-screening of all COVID symptoms, cleanliness with handwashing, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes all remain a part of Newman’s safety protocols. 

In compliance with CDC guidelines, TEA continues to require reporting of all COVID-19 cases and close contacts to ensure isolation / quarantine of confirmed cases and those exposed to a confirmed case.

International travel guidance is in accordance to the local Health Department and CDC: Ten (10) days of quarantine is required for all travelers entering the USA from another country.  You can test as early as the 3rd day (PCR is preferable, but no longer a requirement) of your quarantine period and if negative return to work/school after seven days of quarantine.  If you received the COVID-19 vaccine, no quarantine is required if your travel is within 90 days of the vaccination.  *Currently, the vaccine is only good for 90 days.  CDC is expecting this to be extended as more data/science is studied.

Faculty that are quarantined due to exposure of a positive COVID-19 case still need to wait until the fifth day of their quarantine to test. A rapid test is allowed but the PCR is preferred. Faculty, staff, students and volunteers who receive the COVID-19 vaccine will not be required to quarantine within 90 days of the vaccination. A copy of the vaccination will need to be provided when identified as a close contact. Copies will not be stored since they are considered medical information protected under HIPPA. 

The Governor has put faith in the citizens and businesses of Texas to take the right precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 without the government mandates. Let us all do our part in keeping our school family safe.

Our number one priority will continue to be the safety of each student.  Currently, the number of students or faculty at Newman, who are testing positive for COVID-19 is extremely low, and we are very thankful that we have been able (with the help of everyone following the proper protocols) to keep our campuses safe.  We applaud each of you for helping us maintain a safe environment for all of our students and staff.

If you have any further questions, please reach out to your campus principal.

Wishing you safety and wellness,

Newman International Academy Administration