Isolation Guidelines: K-12 Scholars and Staff

  • The following guidance is effective September 6, 2022 

    At-Home Isolation Protocol and Returning to School, Childcare or Program 

    • An individual who tests positive for COVID-19 with a viral test (Molecular (PCR/NAAT) or antigen, including self-tests) is required to follow isolation guidelines 

    • Scholars or staff who test positive are required to isolate themselves at home regardless of vaccination status for at least 5 days. 

    • They may return after 5 full days of isolation if they are asymptomatic or symptoms have improved and have no fever for 24hrs without use of medication. 

    • Day 0 is first day of symptoms  

    • Repeating initial tests does not change isolation protocol. Additionally, individuals who test positive using antigen or at-home tests towards the end of the full 5 days, and/or on days 6-10, are required to complete the 10 full days of isolation.  

    • Testing on day 10 is not recommended. 

     

    Isolation of COVID-19 Cases 

    • Any scholar or staff who reports or has COVID-19-like symptoms is required to be immediately isolated from others, sent home and referred for diagnostic testing, regardless of vaccination status.  

    • While isolated, they must wear a well-fitting mask 

  • If asymptomatic (without symptoms): 

    • Isolate for at least 5 days, with Day 0 being the day of the positive test and Day 1 being the first full day after the specimen was collected  

    • If there are still no symptoms after 5 days, end isolation.

    • If symptoms develop, the 5-day isolation period starts over with Day 0 being the first day of symptoms.  

  • If the person has or had symptoms: 

    • Isolate for at least 5 days, with Day 0 being the first day of symptoms, and Day 1 being the first full day after developing symptoms  

    • After 5 days, end isolation if fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever, reducing medication and improvement of symptoms  

    • If symptoms and/or fever continue, wait to end isolation until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and improvement of symptoms.