Three Oakland Head Start Centers are temporarily closed after the City of Oakland learned an individual tested positive for COVID-19 at each center. The affected centers — Manzanita, San Antonio Park and San Antonio CDC — are temporarily closed. City of Oakland Head Start follows guidance from the Alameda County Public Health Department when closing and reopening sites.
Name of Head Start Center — Reopening Date
Manzanita — December 7
San Antonio Park — December 8
San Antonio CDC — December 8
Immediately after the positive test result, the City of Oakland notified the families attending the affected centers and advised staff and families to quarantine, watch for symptoms and get tested if needed.
The other Oakland Head Start centers, in alignment with Alameda County Public Health guidance, remain open for in-person services, as well as virtual services. All in-person Oakland Head Start families can opt into the distance learning program if they prefer the virtual option, returning to their in-person slot on January 11th.
We know that closing Head Start centers can place a burden on some families. However, in order to control the spread of COVID-19, it is necessary to temporarily close the Head Start centers when there is a COVID-19 exposure to protect families, staff and our community.
COVID-19 cases are currently trending upwards in Alameda County, with 10,733 current cases as of November 30, 2020 in Oakland, per the Alameda County Public Health Department. Given this increase in cases and an anticipated new wave after the holidays, all Oakland Head Start families will have an extended winter break and centers will be closed December 21st through January 8, reopening on January 11. All families will be served virtually during the extra weeks of winter break (the week of January 4th).
COVID-19 Positive Test Protocol for Oakland Head Start
If a Head Start staff or child tests positive for COVID-19:
- Families attending impacted centers are notified immediately.
- Alameda County Public Health Department is contacted for guidance on closure dates and to collaborate on contact tracing measures.
- The impacted center is closed following the latest guidance from the Health Department.
- The Center receives an enhanced deep cleaning.
- Staff and families are advised to quarantine, watch for symptoms and get tested if needed.
- The center is reopened on the timeline recommended by the Health Department.
For more information, call: 510-238-3165.