January 13, 2021
I wanted to give families clarification on the new shortened quarantine guidelines that the CDC has issued. The quarantine guidelines are for those individuals who have been considered close contacts. The CDC continues to recommend the 14-day quarantine, but they do offer a 10 day option that may be used in schools. Certain criteria must be met if individuals would like to use this option. The individual has shown no symptoms of COVID-19 at any point during the 10 day period; AND Daily symptom monitoring continues though quarantine day 14; AND All recommended preventive measures continue through Day 14: Practice good hygiene Stay at least 6 feet from other people Wear a mask at all times Athletes cannot go back to full participation until 14 days after exposure if they cannot meet the social distancing and face covering requirements. An athlete may participate in practice as long as they wear their face covering and remain at least 6 feet away from others until the 14 days is up. I understand that a shortened quarantine sounds wonderful, but if the criteria cannot be met then the CDC recommends the 14-day quarantine. As a school, I will work with families on an individual basis to see if the 10-day quarantine is an option. I want to ensure that all criteria is met and that we do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus. The Indiana State Health Department does not allow schools to utilize the 7-day quarantine for students or staff.