In accordance with guidelines from the CDC and DC Department of Health, Field implements a daily digital health-screening for all students, faculty, staff, and approved visitors to campus. This screening includes a temperature check, questions about current health status, and potential exposure to COVID-19. While our daily screening will help students, faculty, staff, and families identify symptoms that may prevent a student from attending school, we rely on each member of our community to help prevent the spread of any infection. No one may return to campus until they have been symptom and/or fever-free for 24 hours. 

Masks are required by employees, students, and approved visitors on campus, in all shared offices and spaces, both indoors and outside. Bandanas, scarves, neck gaiters, and masks with respirators or aerators are not acceptable. Face coverings must fit snugly over the mouth and nose, secured under the chin and with ear loops or ties. Face coverings are not a substitute for maintaining appropriate physical distancing.

At this time, visitors are strictly limited to approved contractors and interview candidates, all of whom are required to adhere to Field’s health screening and safety protocols. Parents and tutors are not permitted.

Field currently contracts with FiveMedicine to regularly perform PCR tests on campus. Groups of students who come to campus for in-person learning on alternating weeks are tested routinely, and employees are tested weekly. At a minimum, 25% of our in-person population is tested on a weekly basis.

The Field School is responsible for reporting all confirmed COVID-19 cases to the D.C. Department of Health. Families of students who have had direct contact with an individual with a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be contacted by the school, with possible follow-up from the D.C. Department of Health. Additionally, the School asks all families to report travel, potential exposure, and positive test results within their household. In accordance with the Department of Health guidelines, the name of any individual with a potential or confirmed case will not be made public.

Cohorting and limiting movement around campus are important measures to allow for effective contact tracing. In the event that someone in our community tests positive for COVID-19, we will contact the D.C. Department of Health who will then initiate contact tracing on our campus. This process will inform the notification of individuals who we know have been exposed to the virus.

The school has updated its industry-standard Merv-10 filters with Merv-13 filters, which allow the HVAC system to trap up to 98% of airborne particles as small as .3 microns. Room circulation has increased with a higher rate of supply-and-return air. The school also utilizes all available windows to maximize fresh airflow in indoor spaces.

Field currently works with Ecolab to utilize cleaning products included on the EPA’s list of “Disinfectants for Use Against COVID-19." Each school day, the dedicated housekeeping team has increased their school-day cleaning schedule for restrooms and all high-touch surfaces. Field also employs a professional cleaning company to conduct a complete and thorough sanitation of campus every evening. 

Outdoor spaces have been outfitted for classroom and lunch use. Retractable awnings have been installed on the terrace and amphitheater levels for additional shade and weather protection. Three large tents have been added to outdoor areas as well, with mobile hand sinks and hand sanitizer stations spread throughout. Other updates include improved outdoor internet access, clear signage and ground markers to remind students and staff to stay 6 feet apart at all times, and specified zones for each grade level whether indoors or outside.