Clear Creek Elementary
August 13th, 2021
Exposures in Unvaccinated, Susceptible Individuals:
Susceptible unmasked individuals who were within three feet for 15 cumulative minutes or more, or participated in a high-risk activity with a COVID-19 positive individual during their infectious period will be considered exposed. To prevent transmission of COVID-19, the safest, lowest-risk quarantine protocol is 14 days from last exposure (CDC, 2020). However, guidance from CDC and KDHE, updated in December 2020, provides two shortened quarantine protocol options for individuals who remain symptom-free:
• Option 1 (with testing): Exposed individuals who remain asymptomatic may test on or after day six following the last day of exposure. With a negative result and no symptoms, individuals may return to normal activities on day eight post-exposure. Only PCR test results will be considered for shortened quarantine; antigen and antibody tests are not allowed for this purpose. To return to school under this option, documentation of test results must be provided that includes patient name, date of birth, lab result, and identification of the testing entity or laboratory. It will not be feasible for JCDHE staff to access negative results on patient’s behalf.
• Option 2 (without testing): Individuals who are exposed and remain asymptomatic, but do NOT take a PCR test, must quarantine for 10 days, returning to activities on day 11 after exposure. All close contacts should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days from last exposure. If symptoms develop during the 14-day period, person should self-isolate and get a PCR test. If an individual develops symptoms at any time following exposure, then they no longer meet the criteria for a shortened quarantine period. If they have a PCR-negative test with specimen collected AFTER symptoms develop, then no contact tracing is required. For more information, please refer to the CDC’s Science Brief regarding the options to reduce quarantine (CDC, 2020).
Exposures in Unvaccinated Staff and Students with a History of Previous Infection
Close contacts with evidence of previous infection within the past six months that is documented by a positive PCR or antigen test may be exempt from quarantine exclusion if they remain asymptomatic following their exposure. Positive serology or antibody tests may not be substituted for either the PCR or antigen test. If the close contact becomes symptomatic following their exposure, but during the 90 days after recovery from a prior infection, then there is a possibility of reinfection. Antigen testing in such circumstances is preferred, with the specimen collected within the first five to seven days from symptom onset (KDHE, 2021; CDC, 2021).
Upcoming Calendar Dates:
Wednesday, August 18th: Food Night at Papa Murphy's
Monday, Sept. 6th: No School: Labor Day
Tuesday, Sept. 14th: PTO General Meeting at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 15th: Food Night: Pizza Shoppe
Tuesday, Sept. 21st: Picture Day
Wednesday, Sept. 22nd: Late Start! Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
Friday, Sept. 24th: Lap-a-thon
Wednesday, Sept. 29th: Parent -Teacher Evening Conferences
Thursday, Sept. 30th: Parent-Teacher Conferences: No School
Friday, October 1st: No School