With the current record number of COVID-19 cases in part due to the emergence of the Omicron variant, the GA administration decided to update its COVID-19 policies.
Over winter break, the number of COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania surged, reaching an all-time high. On December 17 (the Friday prior to winter break), PA recorded 8,629 positive cases, but the number almost tripled within two weeks, reaching a total of 23,795 as of January 3. The exponential growth in cases reflects the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, first observed in the US on Dec. 1, 2021.
Because of the high transmissibility and record number of COVID-19 cases, the GA administration updated its guidelines and protocols for students. Ms. Lintgen, Dean of Students, said, “We’re following the guidance of the state, county, and CHOP. We’re following what the experts say.”
Despite the surge in cases, the school remains dedicated to preserving in-person learning. Ms. Lintgen said, “Experts recommend that we prioritize in-person instruction, so we’re going to continue to follow the guidance of the experts.” To work towards this goal, many GA students, families, and faculty received antigen and PCR testing from the GA nurses to ensure the safety of the school community prior to returning to campus after winter break.
Guideline changes within the Upper School affected policies concerning mask wearing, eating, morning meetings, and athletics. In a schoolwide email, Mr. Schellhas, Head of Upper School, said, “GA asks all students in grades PreK-12 and employees to upgrade masks to surgical OR KN/N95 masks effective immediately […] We feel that this upgrade in masks is essential to prevent transmission of the virus.” To increase access to these masks, the school generously offered to provide them for free to any student who needs one.
In addition, the administration tried to reduce the amount of time when students are unmasked by requesting that they not eat in the building except for in designated locations. Students may only eat in the Dining Room, Common Room, Field House, or outside. Only four students are allowed per table in the Dining Room, and they must sit at every other table.
In addition, Zoom has been implemented more to increase social distancing. For the time being, morning meetings and house meetings will take place virtually. The traditional morning meeting location has been primarily switched to advisory.
GA students have quickly adapted to these new policies. Ms. Lintgen says, “I continue to feel really proud of GA as a community and of its students. This community has handled these changes that aren’t comfortable with a lot of grace. Upper Schoolers have been incredibly flexible, patient, and positive.”