Updated COVID-19 guidelines
January 14, 2022
New guidance shortens isolation/quarantine periods to five days
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently announced it has officially adopted shortened COVID-19 isolation and quarantine periods of five days. This shift aligns with the new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it focuses on reducing the spread of the omicron variant in schools with fewer disruptions to in-person learning.
This new guidance allows students and staff who test positive to return to school buildings five days after the positive test or the onset of symptoms IF they are not experiencing symptoms. If symptoms persist, they are still required to stay at home.
In response, Mounds View Public Schools will be adopting these new guidelines for all students and staff effective Tuesday, January 18. Students and staff who are currently in quarantine or isolation and would qualify for an earlier return based on this new guidance are welcome to return to school.
At the same time, the District is refocusing its mitigation efforts on more sustainable, efficient, effective and consistent practices as the COVID-19 pandemic becomes endemic. To learn more about this new approach to isolation, quarantining and mitigation efforts, visit here.
Please note that guidance regarding quarantine related to vaccination has changed. In order for students or staff to avoid quarantining due to a close contact, they must provide documentation showing they are fully vaccinated with a primary vaccine series and a booster dose if eligible.
To report COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result, contact your child’s school. Please include the date on which symptoms started and the date on which the test was taken if applicable.
Like all public schools, Mounds View is experiencing staffing shortages and other challenges that require patience, flexibility and cooperation from our staff, students and families. In these next few weeks, please watch for updates from your child’s school if there are any staffing issues that will impact your child’s learning environment.