Important Update on COVID-19
Updated 12/31/21
Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and the ever-changing protocols. As you may have heard in the news recently, the CDC has updated it's recommendations regarding isolation and quarantine protocols for positive individuals and close contacts. The Indiana State Department of Health has released guidance for schools regarding these changes that has simplified this process for schools and families. Should your child or anyone in your household test positive for COVID-19, please contact me so that I can advise you on next steps. We are required to notify the state and county health departments of positive cases from our students and staff. Should your child be a close contact to someone within the school building, I will be in contact to notify you and review options.
I have attached the updated DMA Return to School Plan and Health Protocols as well as the symptom screening for parents image. I've linked the release from the ISDH, the site to search for testing locations, and the site to search for vaccination locations. Here are the main points you need to know from the new guidance:
If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19 (symptomatic or asymptomatic):
- Isolate from the building for 5 days from onset of symptoms or specimen was collected for testing if asymptomatic. (If my fever started Monday- Monday is day 0. If I didn't have symptoms and was tested on Tuesday- Tuesday is day 0.)
- Contact tracing is completed for up to 48 hours before onset of symptoms or specimen was collected for testing
- If no symptoms occur OR symptoms are improving (fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication) after 5 days, student or staff may return to the building but must wear a mask for days 6-10.
- The science behind this--infectivity is highest 2 days before the onset of symptoms and up to 2-3 days after onset of symptoms
- If symptoms persist beyond 5 days, continue to isolate until symptoms resolve (fever free at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication, resolved cough, etc.)
If a student or staff member is a close contact to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19:
- If vaccinations are current (current means it has been 6 months or less since the individual completed the series of Pfizer or Moderna or 2 months or less since the individual has completed the Johnson & Johnson. If it has been more than 6 months for Pfizer/Moderna or more than 2 months since Johnson and Johnson, the individual has gotten a booster dose)
- The individual does not quarantine
- Individual should wear a mask for 10 days
- If symptoms develop, get a test and stay home. If positive, follow isolation guidance. If test is negative, return to school when symptoms have resolved.
- A COVID-19 Test is recommended on day 5 but not required
- If vaccinations are not current (it has been more than 6 months since Moderna/Pfizer or 2 months since J&J and the individual is not boosted) or the individual is unvaccinated:
- You must quarantine 5 days
- Return to school on day 6 as long as the individual remains asymptomatic and mask for days 6-10
- If symptoms develop, get a test and stay home. If positive, follow isolation guidance. If test is negative, return to school when symptoms have resolved.
- Test is recommended on day 5 but not required
As always, I am here to guide you every step of the way. If I do not have an answer to your question, I will do my best to find it. If you are unsure whether or not to test, I'd advise you to contact your child's physician.
Thank you,
Samantha Bandy
Education Director
Dynamic Minds Academy