Message from the Superintendent
District officials have received updated guidance from the CDC. This new quarantine guidance will be followed, effective today. Please read the new information carefully and if you have any questions, contact the appropriate school nurse.
Yesterday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced significant changes to its guidance regarding COVID-19 quarantines, lowering it from the previous standard of 14 days.
- A person may end self-quarantine after seven days post exposure, if they test negative and have had no symptoms. The test can be a PCR or rapid antigen test. The PCR test can be taken no earlier than day five of quarantine, the rapid antigen test may be taken no earlier than day 7 of quarantine. It is important to note that if either test provides a positive result, the individual will immediately begin ten days of isolation.
- Without a test, a person should self-quarantine for 10 days and monitor symptoms for four more days and must wear a mask for the entirety of the fourteen days.
The guidance states that when a shortened quarantine is in place, the following measures should also be in place through 14 days after exposure:
- Daily symptom monitoring
- Mitigation strategies, including correctly and consistently wearing a face covering and social distancing
The CDC states that most individuals become infectious and experience symptoms within five days of exposure, but some of those who are exposed do not develop symptoms until up to two weeks after exposure.
State health officials have advised that school districts may immediately begin following the new guidance and can apply it to students and/or employees who may currently be in quarantine and are outside the new quarantine window/protocols.
Federal health officials are concerned about the Christmas holiday season, and they also have issued new guidance about traveling. CDC officials recommend individuals be tested both one to three days before traveling and three to five days after. Even with a negative test, the CDC is recommending travelers reduce activities for a week after traveling. Travelers who aren't tested should reduce activities for 10 days, according to the guidance.
Student and staff safety continues to be the administration’s first concern. The district will remain vigilant with all safety protocols and procedures and any additional updates will be shared as information is received.
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