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January 3, 2022
On Dec. 27, 2021, the CDC revised its guidance regarding Covid-19 isolation and quarantine. The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) has subsequently communicated support for these changes to be implemented in schools. As a result, Highlands School District has modified its previous procedures accordingly.
The revisions are as follows:
Those who have a positive COVID-19 test may return to work or school after 5 days of isolation IF they are asymptomatic OR if their symptoms are improving and they have been fever-free for 24 hours. They must wear a mask for the next 5 days, or mask according to the district’s Health and Safety Plan guidance.
Similarly, those exposed to the COVID-19 virus must quarantine for 5 days, and test (not required, but recommended). They may then return to work or school with a mask for the next 5 days.
EXEMPTIONS:
If those exposed to the COVID-19 virus are
- completely vaccinated with a Pfizer or Moderna (mRNA) within the last 6 months
- had the J&J shot in the past 2 months
- vaccinated and boostered (3 shots in an mRNA vaccine or 2 with a viral vector – J&J)
they are exempt from quarantine, and may continue working or learning masked, and test at 5 days (not required, but recommended).
This easy-to-follow REVISED FLOWCHART will assist you in determining quarantine protocol.
Please continue to share positive test and/or exposure information with your building administrator(s) and school nurse, so that contact tracing can be done in a timely and thorough manner.
Frequently Asked Questions:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/parent-faqs.html
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html
