ETHS monitors COVID transmission rates on campus and in the community. We continue to revisit our mask guidelines as warranted by the public health situation. 

ETHS District 202 consults the guidance from CDC, Evanston Health & Human Services Department, IDPH, ISBE, and the ETHS Medical Advisory Group.

CDC looks at the combination of three metrics — new COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 population in the past 7 days, the percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, and total new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population in the past 7 days — to determine the COVID-19 community level. New COVID-19 admissions and the percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied represent the current potential for strain on the health system. Data on new cases acts as an early warning indicator of potential increases in health system strain in the event of a COVID-19 surge.

Using this data, the COVID-19 community level is classified as low, medium, or high.

Source: CDC

When the COVID-19 community level is “high,” the CDC recommends:  

• Wearing a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status (including K-12 schools and other indoor settings).
• Wearing a mask or respirator that provides greater protection if you are a high risk individual for severe disease.
• Wearing a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or have had an exposure to someone with COVID-19.
• Getting tested before attending a family or public event. Home tests are ideal for this purpose.
• Contacting your doctor right away to get treatment for COVID-19 if you are diagnosed.
• Following CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms.
• Staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.