Close Contact Protocol

Close Contact Protocol

You may be aware that Governor Holcomb issued a new Executive Order on September 1, 2021 that references important updates to school quarantine guidance. Based on the Executive Order,  those individuals identified as close contacts do not have to quarantine if they are symptom free and the school requires all individuals to wear a mask.  These new guidelines are only for the school day and take into account that masks are worn consistently and correctly.  Protocols for lunch, extracurricular activities and athletics will remain the same. 

As a school, we have done a great job of mitigating the spread of COVID within the building.  I strongly believe this is because of masks and quarantines.  While I understand that the new Executive Order could cut down on the amount of time students are out of the building, I want to ensure that we continue to keep our school community as safe and healthy as possible.  

With the new Order, we will look at each identified positive case on an individual basis.  Any individual considered a close contact will receive a phone call and will be notified if a quarantine is necessary.  In the classroom, close contacts will be identified as those individuals that sit within 3 feet of the confirmed case.  If we can determine that mask were worn consistently and correctly, then the close contact may not need to quarantine.  Because masks are not worn in the cafeteria, a close contact is anyone who sits within 6 feet of the confirmed case and will be required to quarantine. 

Again, I appreciate your continued support as we navigate through this ever-changing pandemic.