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Schools and child cares should coordinate with their local health jurisdiction (LHJ) to make
decisions related to the strategies outlined below. As defined in RCW 70.05.070 and WAC 246-
110-020, local health officers may require schools or child cares to implement more protective
practices to control the spread of COVID-19 that may be more protective than statewide
requirements but cannot be less protective.
Employers, including schools and child cares, will find additional information in the L&I
Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID-19.
Staying Up to Date on Vaccination
Vaccination is the most effective strategy to protect children and adults from severe disease,
hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19 illness. Schools and child cares are encouraged to
promote being fully vaccinated with all age-appropriate vaccinations –including being up to
date on COVID-19 vaccinations—for eligible staff, students, and children. DOH recommends
that schools and child care providers encourage families to vaccinate their children in
consultation with their health care provider. For vaccination resources, visit:
• The DOH School and Child Care Immunization webpage for school and child care
vaccine resources, including the COVID-19 Vaccines: Pediatric School Toolkit to help
schools answer questions and promote COVID-19 vaccination.
• The DOH Vaccine Information webpage for general information about COVID-19
vaccines, including the vaccine locator tool, and Vaccinating Youth.
Ventilation
Ventilation is one of the most important COVID-19 prevention strategies for schools and child
care settings. Good ventilation can reduce the number of virus particles in the air, which
reduces the likelihood of spreading COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
Good ventilation and indoor air quality are important in reducing airborne exposure to viruses
and other illnesses, chemicals, and odors in the air. Buildings vary in design, age, heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and their ability to provide adequate
ventilation and air filtration.
For more detailed guidance, see the CDC’s Ventilation in Building’s Guidance and EPA’s Clean
Air in Buildings Challenge.
DOH recommends taking the following steps to improve ventilation:
• Upgrade filters to MERV 13 if the system can handle the air resistance.
• Bring in as much outside air as possible, through the HVAC or by opening windows. If
there is smoke or high levels of air pollution, follow the guidance on the
www.doh.wa.gov/smokefromfires page.
• Consult with a professional engineer or HVAC specialist to determine the best way to
maximize the system’s ventilation and air filtration for each area in the building.
• Install portable HEPA air cleaners, which can increase filtration in rooms with poorer
ventilation or in isolation areas. Choose HEPA air cleaners certified by the California Air
Resources Board to not release dangerous levels of ozone. Do not use ozone