COVID-19 Safety Guidance

California Guidance for Schools

COVID-19 Safe Schools Framework

The COVID-19 Safe Schools Framework replaces the Pandemic Recovery Framework, which guided the safe reopening and operation of public and private schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. This document was developed in consultation with San Mateo County Health (SMCH) and reflects California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance and other relevant guidance for schools and districts.

• COVID-19 Safe Schools Framework (Spanish)
• Preventing Respiratory Infections Among Schoolchildren (also available in Spanish)
• Recommendations for a Healthy Holiday Season (also available in Spanish)

California Department of Public Health Guidance

• Guidance for K-12 Schools (updated June 30, 2022)
• Guidance for Child Care Providers and Programs (updated March 12, 2022)

Additional Resources

• Safe Schools for All Hub: California's one-stop shop for information about safe in-person instruction and how to minimize in-school transmission.
• COVID-19 Testing for Schools and Students: Find up-to-date resources on testing in districts and schools as well as at home.
• Ventilation FAQs: Smoke Days and COVID-19 (updated September 28, 2021): The risk of getting COVID-19 is much greater in indoor settings with poor air quality. Learn how to maintain effective ventilation and filtration even when air quality is poor.
• Vaccine Fact Sheets: Scroll to the bottom to find multilingual fact sheets on COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, and additional doses.

Helpful Links

• San Mateo County Health: San Mateo County Health provides information on local health data and updates, frequently asked questions, testing options, and other resources. It also provides information on COVID-19 vaccines and how residents can determine their eligibility for boosters.
• San Mateo County 2-1-1: Residents with non-emergency or non-medical questions about COVID-19 can call 2-1-1, which is available 24/7 in multiple languages and connects residents to food, housing, transportation, and other resources.
• 4C's San Mateo County: Find a list of programs providing early learning and child care as well as up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccines for children aged five and younger.
• First 5 San Mateo County: First 5 San Mateo County compiles resources for parents and caregivers on how to get vaccines and provide trauma-informed care.

• California Department of Public Health: Find guidance documents, state data, and other COVID-19 resources from the California Department of Public Health.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC provides a wide range of information about COVID-19, including symptoms, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you are sick.