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05/12/2020
Ash Fork Schools will be implementing the following Arizona Department of Health Services guidelines for our High School Graduation, which is scheduled for May 21st, 2020 @ 7 PM on the Football Field.
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) recommends that mass gatherings (such as graduations, concerts) are not held at this time.
● Consider whether gatherings may need to have limited attendance, be held virtually, or suspended if physical distancing is difficult to maintain.
● All Arizonans should use their best judgment in suspending public activities that can be delayed. Suspending these activities can protect individuals and the public and preserve vital healthcare resources.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, under all circumstances, the following precautions should be taken by people attending mass gatherings. To the extent possible, event coordinators should take measures to ensure that attendees follow these guidelines:
● Stay home if sick.
● Protect yourself while attending the event:
○ Stay at least 6 feet away from other attendees.
○ If you are at higher risk for severe illness, you should avoid attending mass gatherings. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.
○ Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
○ After leaving the event, use hand sanitizer. When you get home, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
○ Consider wearing a cloth face covering.
● Do not borrow or rent graduation regalia.
● Respect others’ choice not to attend or participate.
If canceling, postponing, or holding the event virtually is not an option, ADHS recommends the following additional steps be taken by mass gathering coordinators:
● Arrange for seating placement that maintains at least 6 feet between attendees from different households; consider limiting seating to alternate rows.
● Limit the number of guests each graduate may bring.
● Consider holding multiple events to enhance physical distancing and holding gatherings in a large, well-ventilated area or outdoors.
● Encourage Arizonans that are most vulnerable (i.e., adults 65 and over and people of all ages with underlying medical conditions) and those with symptoms of illness to stay at home.
○ Consider providing access via live-stream or providing drive-in services.
○ Post signage at entrances advising those with symptoms of illness to not enter.
● Provide adequate supplies to support healthy hygiene behaviors, including soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, disinfecting wipes, tissues, and no-touch trash cans.
● Encourage the use of a cloth face covering at all gatherings. Coverings should not be placed on children less than 2 years of age, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.
● Restrict common areas where people may be likely to congregate.
○ Avoid post graduation events.
○ Avoid activities that require close contact, such as group photos.
● Distribute and post health messages and materials to staff, volunteers, and the community. Educate about everyday preventive actions, including respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene:
○ Staying home when sick.
○ Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
○ Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
● Avoid or suspend the use of a choir or musical ensemble during the event, if appropriate.
● Identify activities and traditions (e.g., handshaking/holding, passing out diplomas, hat tossing, sharing items) that may need to be temporarily suspended or modified.
● Limit community sharing or passing items, such as programs, diplomas, gifts, etc. If possible, project programs using electronic means, or text/email electronic versions of the program.
Recommendations for Employees and Volunteers:
● Train all employees and volunteers on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette. Have employees or volunteers maintain at least 6 feet separation from other individuals and ensure the use of cloth face coverings when possible.
● Implement symptom screening for employees and volunteers prior to the start of the event.
● Intensify cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation.
○ Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and all areas after they are touched or used, such as seats, doorknobs, tables, restrooms, etc.
