Natomas Unified’s COVID-19 Dashboard

Natomas Unified was one of the first Districts to launch a COVID Dashboard- from the beginning, we focused on the health and safety of our community as well as open and transparent communication.  As we navigate this pandemic, we realize that we need to adjust how and what we communicate so our stakeholders have the information they need to make decisions for themselves and their families.

What does the Dashboard represent?

The Dashboard represents all active and past positive cases of COVID-19 and the corresponding in-home quarantines from the first day of school.  The following tables are included in the NUSD Dashboard:

• The Summary Table is the District total of active cases and quarantines as well as a running total of all positive cases and in-home quarantines since August 12, 2021.  An in-home quarantine* is for individuals who are symptomatic or are not vaccinated and do not choose to be tested.
• The Active Table represents all current positive cases and corresponding in-home quarantines by school site. An active or current case includes all individuals who are currently in the 10-day in-home quarantine period* (either positive individuals or because of an exposure).  
• The Year At A Glance Table includes all positives and corresponding in-home quarantines by site for the month.  August includes all cases since August 12, 2021, or the first day of school. 
• The Historical Table provides a historical reference for all positive cases since October 2020.  

*It is important to note that with our new contact tracing plan that goes into effect on January 13, 2022, the number of in-home student quarantines may be artificially high as a student(s) may return to school, with appropriate safety precautions, at any time. If this happens, we will not update the in-home quarantine data. 

Where does the data come from?

If the individual has tested positive through the District testing program, we will know as soon as the results are available.  If the individual tests privately, we learn of the positive test result when it is reported to the site or District office.

These tables do not include positive cases that originated outside of the District if they have no impact on the school environment.

How do we communicate cases on the Dashboard?

NUSD has a robust contact tracing program.  We interview the positive person and send a potential exposure email and letter to all students in the positive person’s class, program, or office area. Each individual who receives the letter will have three options: 

1. If the exposed individual is fully vaccinated (defined as having two shots), and without symptoms, the individual may return to school or work;
2. If the exposed individual is not vaccinated, is without symptoms, and is willing to be tested, the individual may return to school/work.  COVID-19 testing will be available during office hours at the site, and at other District locations, and students/staff should test as soon as possible after exposure and after day 5 (day 6).
3. If the exposed individual is not vaccinated, and the exposed individual was not masked, or is unable/unwilling to test, the individual must quarantine for 10 days from exposure and return to school/work on the 11th day.

The District is required to report every positive case to Sacramento County Public Health.

What is the difference between a regular and modified quarantine?

Vaccinated: In all cases, a fully vaccinated person without symptoms does not need to quarantine.  

Modified quarantine: Modified quarantine options are available to unvaccinated individuals under the following circumstances: 

• Positive Person: A positive individual may return after day 5 if they test negative, are symptom free or symptoms are vastly improved (fever free for 24 hours without medication). If this does not apply, the individual must isolate for 10 days, returning on the 11th day.
• Non-vaccinated, will test: Non vaccinated, symptom free individuals who are willing to get tested, may return to school.
  Non-Vaccinated, will not test: Non vaccinated individuals who are not willing to participate in testing need to quarantine for 10 days. Unmasked individuals need to quarantine for 10 days.
• Extracurricular: Any exposed unvaccinated student, regardless of face covering, must quarantine from all extracurricular activities, including athletics. The student may return on the 8th day if they test negative after the 5th day of quarantine.
• Outside exposure: Any student exposed outside of the school setting, including in the home, may return to school/work if they are symptom-free and vaccinated.
  Unvaccinated home exposures must stay home and may return to work if they test negative by the 5th day. Unvaccinated outside exposures (not in the home), follow the same exposure guidelines as listed in 1-3 above.

Regular Quarantine:  A regular isolation/quarantine period is a minimum of 5 full days (return on the 6th) or a maximum of 10 days (return on the 11th). If a person has tested positive they may return on day 6 if they are symptom-free or symptoms are vastly improving and if they test negative (they can test again after day 5).

How Often is the Dashboard Updated?

Although Google is able to update every 5 minutes, every effort will be made to update the Dashboard by NUSD staff every Tuesday and Friday evening.