COVID-19 Community Support
Please see the tabs below for information regarding the three learning models - on-campus, blended and off-campus - that may be deployed over the school year as the public health situation requires, along with health and safety procedures and resources, details on risk assessment and approach to temporary campus closures, and responses to some frequently asked questions.
For health-related questions and notifications, please contact our school nurse, Michiko Bowering, in the Health Office by email (nurse@yis.ac.jp) or phone (045-621-4027).
FAQ
Flexible Learning Models
Flexible Learning Models
Depending on the development of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health risks over the course of the school year, we will employ the following models:
On-Campus Learning
The campus is open, albeit with enhanced hygiene measures and modifications to some activities and events. The focus of teaching and learning is in the classroom. Regular assessment methods are used wherever possible. Although optimized for in-classroom learning, access to learning may also be provided remotely for those unable to be on campus in exceptional circumstances, such as new students whose entry into Japan is delayed or those with high-risk health conditions.
Blended Learning
The campus is open, however, due to elevated health risks and the need for greater social distancing, the number of students on campus is limited through a staggered schedule of attendance. Learning is conducted face to face in the classroom and online at home. Assessment methods are modified accordingly. Over the period of blended learning, students spend roughly half the days on campus and half learning at home. Activities and events may be modified, postponed or suspended.
Off-Campus Learning
The campus is closed to some or all students. We will use off-campus learning whenever we believe, having taken advice from public health authorities and based on our own judgment, that a grade, section or full campus closure is needed to control or prevent the spread of infection. During off-campus learning teaching and learning is conducted online. Assessment methods are modified accordingly. Depending on the wider public health situation, school activities and events may be modified, postponed or cancelled. (In the case of full campus closure, all activities and events are postponed or cancelled.)
Mixing Models
In response to identified cases/risks of infection or other factors, some grades or classes may switch to off-campus or blended learning for a period of time while other grades/classes continue with on-campus learning.
Remote Access Learning
Within the constraints of our schedule and current resources, we will endeavor to meet the learning needs of students who are not able to attend campus due to illness, quarantine and/or self-isolation due to COVID-related health issues or travel restrictions.
Student Expectations
Our hope is that as many students as possible will be able to attend school on campus when it is fully open or on the designated days for blended learning. But we recognize that some families may have health factors that need to be considered in making a decision on whether attending school in person is appropriate for their situation. There may also be some families who, because of travel restrictions, have not yet been able to enter or return to Japan. We will do our best to accommodate students in these circumstances and it is expected that the students will access the learning through the appropriate online platform and complete work that has been set. Likewise, on off-campus learning days and blended learning days that students are not on campus, all students are expected to be engaged in their learning and complete their work online.
Parent Expectations
Parents are asked to make an informed decision about whether their child will attend school on campus and how they will commute to school. When students are working from home, we ask that you support your child with the provision of a suitable working space and help the teachers in monitoring students’ application to their work and the completion of assignments. We will provide information and resources to help you in supporting your children’s learning.
Health and Safety
Health & Safety Precautions
Recognizing the need for continuing care and vigilance to safeguard our community, we have adopted a range of health and safety protocols to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. These measures, which may also be used to safeguard against seasonal influenza or other communicable diseases, are continually reviewed and may be revised as the situation warrants.
By far the most important precaution, and one which requires the cooperation of everyone in the YIS community, is to stay home if you are not feeling well. This is especially important if you are experiencing a fever and/or cold or flu-like symptoms. If your temperature is 37.5C or higher you must stay home and not return to school for at least 24 hours after your temperature returns to normal without fever-reducing medication. Additionally, it is imperative that any confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection among students, staff or their household members be reported to the YIS Health Office at the earliest instance so that we may determine possible impact on others and advise on when affected individuals may return to school.
We also strongly encourage all YIS community members who are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to get fully vaccinated at the earliest opportunity, including receiving booster shots as soon as they become available. The evidence of the safety and efficacy of approved vaccinations to protect against serious illness from COVID-19 and help reduce the rate of community transmission is overwhelming, and getting vaccinated is one of the most important steps you can take to keep yourself, your loved ones and everyone in our community safe. Information and guidance about getting the COVID-19 vaccination in Japan may be found at the following links:
- City of Yokohama COVID-19 Vaccine Information (Note: the page is in Japanese, but can be translated into English)
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Vaccine Information (Note: the page is in Japanese, but can be translated into English)
| General Health & Safety Measures | Additional Precautions |
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Daily Temperature/Symptom Checks at Home and School
Students and staff should check their temperature and make sure they are symptom-free each morning at home before coming to school. Upon arrival to the classroom students will have their temperature checked and asked about cold or flu-like symptoms once again at the start of the day by their tutor/homeroom teacher. Any student identified with a temperature of 37.5º or higher or complaining of other cold or flu-like symptoms will be sent to the Health Office, where their health condition will be checked once again. If it is confirmed that the student has a fever or is exhibiting other symptoms, they will stay in an isolation room. Parents will be notified and the student will be asked to return home as soon as possible.
Hand Sanitizer and Frequent Hand Washing
Hand sanitizer is available at all building entry points, and everyone should use this upon entering the campus and/or campus buildings. Many of these also have thermal sensors for checking body temperature (hold wrist up to the sensor). Hand sanitizer is also placed in all classrooms and public spaces, such as the library and cafeteria. Frequent hand washing using soap and water is one of the most important measures for preventing the spread of infection. Students are expected (and will be reminded) to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after every break and lunchtime, as well as any times when they may be handling common materials.
Wearing of Face Masks
All students, staff and visitors are required to wear a mask properly (fully covering mouth and nose) while on campus and when commuting to and from school, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or not. We are aware that travel restrictions are easing and masking guidance from Japanese authorities is changing. Our health and safety protocols have enabled us to maintain on-campus learning, and have allowed us to re-engage with our parent community over the last few months of the school year. We will be reviewing all our protocols and assessing the public health situation prior to the start of the new school year and will update you then regarding any changes.
Please do not use simple cloth face masks, which offer minimal protection. Instead we advise using non-woven face masks. Of the many types of these, the N95 or KN94/95 type masks have been proven to be the most effective. Students are advised to bring an additional mask with them every day. A limited number of extra masks will be kept at school if you forget your mask or a replacement is needed.
Coughing/Sneezing Etiquette
Everyone is expected to practice proper coughing/sneezing etiquette at all times: cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; throw used tissues in the trash; if you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
Disinfection
Cleaning and disinfection routines have been increased to include more frequent and thorough high-touch surface cleaning with appropriate disinfectant cleansers.
Ventilation
Windows and doors are to be kept open in all rooms to provide cross-ventilation. Air conditioning/heating is also used to help regulate room temperature and humidity and assist with airflow. Students are advised to dress appropriately, as rooms, hallways and other spaces can get quite warm in August and September and quite chilly in the winter months.
Cafeteria
We have worked closely with Dragon Dining to enhance hygiene measures and safety precautions. Meals are individually plated or packaged to provide a “grab and go” style lunch service with salad and vegetable options still available for students to have with their main meal. Lunchtimes have been staggered and the meal pick-up flow and timing revised to avoid overcrowding. Students are required to refrain from talking while their masks are off.
Parents and Visitors on Campus
When the need arises to limit the number of people on campus at any one time, parents/visitors may be asked to limit their visits to brief errands (e.g., pick-up/drop-off of younger students, school store, library, main/business office, coffee to go from Dragon Cafe); the audience size for school performances may be limited; or parents/visitors may be asked to refrain from coming on campus altogether. When such measures are in place, parents/visitors wishing to speak with teachers, faculty or office staff should arrange to speak via telephone or video call if possible. If a meeting is required in person, please make an appointment with the member of staff. In any event, whenever parents/visitors are on campus they should wear face masks at all times, use hand sanitizer and abide by all other health and safety protocols. Again, this is regardless of vaccination status.
Before and After School
Elementary students may enter the campus at 8:10 am when supervision on the playground begins. MS/HS students may enter the classrooms and hallways from 8:40 am. We understand that some families have children in more than one school level who commute to school together. We ask MS/HS students who are on campus before 8:40 am to stay in the cafeteria or on the playground until 8:40 am. Note that students are not permitted to use the balls and equipment in the “Street” playground area before school starts.
After school, students should leave the campus and return home as soon as the school day is completed. They may not remain on the playground/field or congregate at the school entrances at dismissal or any other time outside of school hours.
Cohorting
Cohorting may be used to help minimize mixing across the school environment. Depending on the risks identified, cohorting could be used in a variety of ways during lunchtimes, to keep grades together, or across the school to reduce movement between classrooms.
Activities and Events
To reduce exposure across the school environment and grade levels, after school activities may be modified or suspended. Likewise, on-campus events for students and/or parents after school hours may be modified, suspended or postponed, and events/assemblies during school hours will be limited in number of participants and duration. Wherever possible, events that are unable to be held on campus will be offered online.
Procedures in the Event of COVID-19 Infection in the YIS Community
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for guidance on what to do if you suspect you may be infected with the COVID-19 virus.
If a student, member of staff or person living in the same household with them is confirmed or suspected to be infected with COVID-19, it is essential that Mrs. Bowering in the YIS Health Office be informed at the earliest opportunity (nurse@yis.ac.jp or 045-621-4027). We will consult with local public health authorities as needed to determine the appropriate course of action for the school, including any contact tracing obligations, testing guidance, quarantine measures or temporary closure of the campus or specific school sections. Although we are obliged to utilize information about infected YIS community members to notify and consult with public health authorities and determine appropriate countermeasures to protect the health of the school community, please be assured that any personal health information that you share with us will be treated in strict confidence.
Quick Guide to Actions in Event of COVID-19 Infection
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Situation |
Actions |
| Confirmed COVID infection of YIS student or staff |
Inform YIS Health Office ASAP; follow directives of health authorities. If the student or staff member is symptomatic: If the student or staff member is asymptomatic: Consult with the school nurse regarding return to school. |
| Close contact of confirmed COVID infection of household member of YIS student or staff |
Inform YIS Health Office ASAP; follow directives of health authorities. If the household member who tested positive can isolate completely, the student/staff member must quarantine for 5 days starting on the day after the last day of close contact. Day 0 is the last day on which there was contact with the positive case. Thus day 1 of quarantine is the first full day after the last day of close contact. The student/staff member may return to school on the sixth day after the start of the quarantine period. If the student/staff member has also tested positive, see Confirmed COVID Infection of YIS Student or Staff, above. The person identified as a close contact is required to monitor their health during the quarantine period. The person designated as a close contact may end quarantine from the third day if antigen tests taken on day two and day three return negative results. Taking these tests is optional, and up to the discretion of the staff member/parent of the student. Consult with the school nurse regarding return to school. |
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Suspected COVID infection of YIS student/staff or household member of YIS student/staff (symptomatic but not yet tested) |
Consult with a physician or local health authorities regarding testing and/or treatment, and inform the YIS Health Office as soon as possible. If anyone in the household becomes symptomatic, everyone in the household should remain at home until the person has consulted with a physician or local health authorities. When PCR testing has been advised, students may not return to school until a negative diagnosis is confirmed. In all cases, consult with the school nurse regarding return to school. |
Respect Privacy and Do Not Stigmatize
Please respect each other’s privacy. We look carefully at the specific circumstances of any reported COVID infection and possible exposure at school. If it is necessary to let people know that they may have come in close contact at school with a COVID-infected person we will do so. Again, Japanese public health authorities consider “close contact” as being within 1 meter of an infected person for 15 minutes or longer talking without wearing a mask. But we do not identify suspected or confirmed cases of COVID infection when there has been no close contact or other concern about transmission. Please also keep in mind that suspected COVID infections can often turn out to be negative.
While it is natural to be concerned about the risk of contracting COVID-19, it is important that we do not let fear and anxiety lead to social stigma or discrimination. No particular individual or group of people are more likely than others to spread the virus. This includes those who have recovered from COVID-19 or been released from home isolation or quarantine. In line with our core values, we are supportive of each other, and any discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups of people will not be tolerated.
Risk Assessment and Decisions
Risk Assessment and Learning Model Decisions
Depending on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic, we may engage in on-campus learning, blended learning or off-campus learning over the course of the school year. Our preferred model is always on-campus learning, but the decision of which model or combination of models is to be employed at any particular time is based primarily on the assessed level of public health risk and the specific circumstances of any suspected or confirmed YIS community infection. Our assessment is also informed by the directives and guidance of Japanese public health and educational authorities, analysis of infection rates and other relevant trends in Kanagawa and Tokyo, guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), consultation with medical professionals and other international schools in Japan, and other factors.
Although we follow the guidance of local health authorities at a minimum, we may go beyond those minimum recommendations when we feel additional measures are warranted to protect the health and well-being of our community. Given the size and diversity of the YIS community, we recognize that any decision we make regarding on-campus, blended or off-campus learning may be fraught with differences of opinion. But we ask for your support and understanding that whatever decision we make is always motivated by doing what we think is best for safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our students and the wider school community.
Evolving Understanding of COVID-19 and Implications for Schools
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic there were a number of government-enacted prolonged closures to schools globally. Evidence since then suggests that many children underwent additional hardships and psychological stresses as a result of school closures whilst the effect on the spread of COVID-19 was of limited benefit. Schools have not been identified as a prominent risk feature of the pandemic, nor is there evidence to suggest children are a primary source of transmission (e.g. ECDC, CDC), particularly when appropriate precautions are in place. This has resulted in several changes to the way that governments and schools respond to COVID cases in their countries and communities.
As knowledge of the pandemic has evolved, schools have realized that in order to balance optimal learning with public health concerns it may be necessary to use different models at different times for different groups of students. We believe that the best place for student learning and development to thrive is on campus and, as our preferred model, we will always aim to have all students on campus when the public health situation allows it. In situations where it is not possible to have everyone on campus at the same time we will aim to provide on-campus learning opportunities as frequently as possible through our blended learning model. And when necessary to protect the health of students and staff and mitigate the risk for the community as a whole, we will not hesitate to temporarily close a grade, section or entire campus.
Although we will take the utmost care to accurately assess the public health risk in deciding which model to employ at any given time and maintain precautionary measures to minimize the risk of infection when students are on campus, it should be understood that the risk cannot be eliminated. Moreover, we recognize that families may have different circumstances, such as household members with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk. We acknowledge that the decision on whether to send children to school is ultimately up to parents/guardians.
Responding to COVID-19 Cases in Our Community
When a case of COVID-19 is detected within our community we will act quickly in coordination with public health authorities to assess the risk to our community. This may mean that we ask a student, grade, section or the whole school to remain at home for a limited number of days and to limit interactions with others while we collect information and assess any potential risk. Once the public health authorities have provided us with specific guidance, we will inform you at the earliest instance of any further actions requested of the school community.
Based on the experience of previous cases and other schools that have had cases of students or staff testing positive for COVID-19, public health authorities focus their attention in identifying those who may have been in “close contact” with an infected person during a specific period when they may have been contagious. The authorities define close contact as being within 1 meter of the person for 15 minutes or longer talking without wearing a mask. When close contact with others at school is considered to have occurred, follow-up contact tracing and testing may be advised and particular individuals or groups of individuals may be requested to isolate or quarantine for a period of time. Authorities generally try to avoid recommending temporary class, grade or school closures, and when such closures are recommended they are usually only for a period of a few days. Again, while we will always follow the minimum recommendations of public health authorities, we reserve the right to go beyond the advice from Japanese health authorities in order to ensure the safety of our students and wider community.