COVID-19 Response

Seattle Public Schools COVID-19 Response

SPS COVID-19 Data

What are the vaccination rates for SPS schools? 

As of August 2022, 83% of SPS students have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, 80% of students have had two, and of students who are eligible for boosters, 72% have received their booster shot. The highest vaccination rate in a school is 96%, while the lowest is 27%. Of 106 schools, 95 have a greater than 50% vaccination rate and 11 schools have less than a 50% vaccination rate.

Outbreak Response

SPS continues to follow mitigation strategies to minimize transmission of COVID-19.

Mask Guidance

Seattle Public Schools lifted its mask requirements in March 2022. SPS continues to encourage masking at school, especially after travel or a break.

If I needed one, where would I find the Mask Exemption Form?

Here is the SPS Mask Exemption Form

COVID-19 symptoms, testing, and isolating

Any student or staff who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to isolate at home for five full days regardless of vaccination status. 

If you test positive for COVID-19 but do not have symptoms:

• Isolate for at least five days after testing positive for COVID-19. Day zero is the day you test positive. You can leave isolation after five full days if you have not developed any symptoms. Repeating the test does not change the requirement to isolate for five full days. 

If you develop symptoms after testing positive:

• Your five-day isolation should start over. Follow the isolation recommendations below for individuals who have symptoms.   

If you test positive for COVID-19 and develop symptoms:

• Individuals may return from isolation after five full days have passed since symptoms appeared if: 
  • No fever within the past 24 hours (without medication) AND
  • Symptoms have significantly improved 

COVID-19 antigen tests are encouraged before returning from isolation. Only start testing if you are fever free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved. 

• Anyone returning to school or work after isolation should wear a well-fitted mask from day six to 10. These individuals should also remain masked for sports and other extracurricular activities. 
• If an individual tests positive after five days of isolation, they must stay at home for the full 10-day isolation period unless they test negative on two sequential tests each performed 24-48 hours apart. If they test negative on the two sequential tests, they can end isolation before day 10. 
• If an individual is unable to wear a well-fitting mask, they should continue to isolate for the full 10 days.  

Individuals who have been infected with COVID-19 within the past 90 days should use an antigen test, as PCR tests may remain persistently positive even if there is no new or active infection. 

COVID-19 Exposure 

Regardless of vaccination status, housemates or family members who were potentially exposed to COVID-19 are encouraged to:  

• Monitor for symptoms and get tested for COVID-19 three to five days after your last exposure. 
• Wear a high-quality mask or respirator around others at home and in public for 10 days after your last exposure. Continue to wear a mask even if you test negative for COVID-19.

If you test positive:

• Isolate and follow SPS isolation, masking, and return to school guidance

If you test negative by an antigen test:

• Retest with an antigen test 24-48 hours after the first negative test. If the second test is negative, but concerns exist for COVID-19, you may retest 24-48 hours after the second negative test, for a total of at least three tests. 

Outbreak Response and Testing Consent 

If there is a suspected or confirmed outbreak in a classroom or across classrooms, testing and masking may be required to sustain in-person learning. Learn more about the testing protocol and consent to outbreak testing.