THIS INTERIM GUIDANCE EXPIRED ON MAY 31, 2021.
Original Issuance Date: March 16, 2021
Last Revision Date: May 4, 2021
1. Purpose of Guidelines
One of the major recommendations around returning minors to campus is the implementation of testing protocols. While UW System Interim Administrative Policy 600-01, Interim: Spring Semester 2021 COVID-19 Summer Testing Requirements (which expired May 31, 2021), covered testing requirements for the spring, we recognized that campuses may need interim guidance around Summer 2021 Youth Activities for planning purposes. These guidelines are based on the recommendations from the American Camps Association, YMCA, Environmental Health Engineering, Inc., and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). They are intended to clarify and assist campuses in the implementation of SYS 600-02, Interim: Summer 2021 COVID-19 Testing Requirements.
2. Publishing Office(s)
UW System Office of Compliance & Integrity
3. Affected Stakeholders on Campus
This guidance pertains to institutions offering youth activities in the summer of 2021. It specifically applies to the summer program director, teachers, staff, single day precollege/youth programs and activities participants, multi-day precollege/youth programs and activities participants, and their parents, guardians, or caregivers.
4. Primary Responsibility
The UW System Offices of Compliance & Integrity is primarily responsible for this guidance, with input and support from the Office of General Counsel and Risk Management. The Program Directors will be responsible for implementing the guidance on the campuses.
5. Guidelines
The American Camp Association, YMCA, Environmental Health Engineering, Inc and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended the following:
A. Single Day Activities
- Single day precollege/youth programs and activities participants should self-quarantine at least 10 days prior to the activity.
- Participation is not allowed for those currently in quarantine or isolation.
- Single day precollege/youth programs and activities participants must report to the Program Director any positive COVID-19 test results if received within three days of the beginning or end of the program.
B. Activities 2 Days or More
- Multi-day precollege/youth programs and activities participants are required to have one of the following:
- Tested negative within three days prior to arrival, or;
- Tested negative upon arrival with the Abbott Binax NOW test, or;
- Documentation of a positive PCR test within 90 days of the activity and past completion of the isolation period; or
- Have documented proof of being “fully vaccinated,” which means that it has been two weeks or longer since the individual has completed the vaccine series AND the individual is asymptomatic.
- Participation is not allowed for those currently in quarantine or isolation.
- For multi-day precollege/youth programs and activities lasting longer than seven days, participants should be tested no less than once per week.
- Multi-day precollege/youth programs and activities participants must report any positive COVID-19 test results received within three days after the final day of programming.
- Programs transporting youth to campus must mandate participants are tested through community testing sources, medical providers, or local pharmacies prior to riding in System provided transportation and upload verification of test to the program director.
C. If a Participant Tests Positive Upon Arrival
- Asymptomatic Participants testing positive upon the arrival to campus with the Abbott Binax NOW test will not be eligible to participate in the activity and must return home with parent or guardian until a negative PCR test is received.
*It is recommended that institutions encourage parents/ guardians to remain with the participant until testing is complete.
- Symptomatic Participants testing positive upon the arrival to campus with the Abbott Binax NOW test will not be eligible to participate in the activity and must return home with parent or guardian
*It is recommended that institutions encourage parents/ guardians to remain with the participant until testing is complete.
*Carpooling- all youth that are carpooling in the same car as a positive youth participant, are sent home until all carpoolers have received a negative PCR. This is scenario would be considered “close contact” to a positive youth participant.
D. If a Participant Shows Symptoms while at a Program
- Program Director must:
- Notify Parent.
- Have participant tested for COVID-19.
- Isolate participant until they either have a negative PCR on campus test result or return home.
E. If a participant tests positive during a program for COVID-19 with an Abbott Binax NOW test
- Program Director must:
- Isolate minor immediately.
- Notify parent/guardian to pick up the participant within one hour of notification for commuter programs or within 24 hours for residential programs.
- Identify and list close contacts of the participant.
- Notify the institution’s Precollege Liaison.
- Communicate the possible exposure to teachers, staff, and parents, guardians or caregivers of students in the program.
- Communicate with campus facility managers and implement your campus disinfecting and cleaning plan.
- Work with campus leadership to assess transmission levels and support any contact tracing efforts requested by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) or your local public health department.
- Notify close contact participants and staff to:
- Quarantine for 14 days;
- Consult with their healthcare provider for evaluation; and
- Wait 4-5 days before testing unless symptoms develop
- Communicate with teachers, staff, and parents, guardians or caregivers the importance of COVID-19 mitigation strategies (e.g., staying home when sick, washing hands, wearing masks, social distancing).
- Inform the participant that they can return to programming after meeting criteria for ending home isolation.
Visit the CDC website for additional information.
- UW-System Provided Transportation for Youth
If a youth participant riding in a bus tests positive during the program all youth participants in the same bus as a positive youth participant, are sent home until they have received a negative PCR. This is scenario would be considered “close contact” to a positive youth participant.
*Note: These protocols are subject to change based on guidance from the CDC and DHS.
Keep in mind that testing should only be one part of the Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention Planning. Programs are strongly encouraged to implement:
- Communication Planning
Inform parents, participants and staff of the following prior to registration:
-
- Refund Policy
- Pre-arrival Quarantine – CDC Recommends at least 10 days of self-quarantine of participants prior to arrival. Communicating this expectation reduces the risk of spread in your programs.
- Pick-up requirements if a participant starts to show symptoms during the program
- Behavior Expectation (handwashing, social distancing, program modifications)
- Testing Protocols
- Mask Requirements
- Programming Logistics
Implement the following to mitigate participant exposure:
-
- Drop-Off and Pick-Up Processes in which parents/guardians are not exposed to other participants during drop-off and pick-ups.
- Smaller Cohorts or Grouping
- Physical Distancing
- Mask Usage
- Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols (PPE Needs)
- Daily Symptom Checks
- Handwashing/Hygiene Training
- Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols
*Note: As institutions determine which activities to authorize on-campus, note that outdoor programming has been shown to have a lower COVID-19 transmission rate.
E. Third Parties
All Third-Party Providers conducting programs with minors should provide a COVID-19 mitigation plan to be included as part of their contract. Third Party mitigation plans must be equal to or greater than UW-System’s current mitigation plans for minors on campus. Third Parties may also replicate UW-System guidance but testing costs will be at the cost of the Third-Party providers. Additional information can be found on the UW-System Youth Protection website.
G. Affiliated Programs
Please consult with the Office of Compliance and Integrity if you will be hosting youth on campuses through any of our affiliated partners.
6. Contact
UW System Office of Compliance & Integrity
7. Guideline History
Revision 1: May 4, 2021
Original Issuance: March 16, 2021
8. Scheduled Review
August 31, 2021