The New York State Department of Health has adopted a new CDC recommendation on shortening quarantine and isolation to 5 days for the general population including students and school staff. Based on interim guidance received by the school district, this new policy will take effect in the East Greenbush Central School District starting Friday, January 7. We anticipate receiving further guidance specific to schools in the near future.
Moving forward, this means any new cases of COVID-19 will follow the updated guidance below. Please note that any cases identified prior to today will follow the previous guidance.
According to the CDC, this “change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after.”
Isolation
A person must isolate when they are sick or when they have been infected with the virus, even if they don’t have symptoms.
- Any student or employee who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, must isolate at home for 5 days.
- Day 0 would be the date of onset of symptoms or the date the positive test was collected if asymptomatic.
- If symptoms are improving, the individual may return to school after the 5-day isolation and wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days.
- If symptoms persist or the individual is unable to wear a mask, isolate for a full 10 days.
- Individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised should isolate for 10 days.
Quarantine
A person must quarantine when they might have been exposed to the virus and may or may not have been infected.
- If the individual is not fully vaccinated:
- Quarantine at home for 5 days. Day 0 would be the date of last exposure.
- After quarantine ends, mask while around others and monitor for symptoms for an additional 5 days.
- Test on day 5, if possible.
- If the individual develops any symptoms or tests positive, they must isolate.
- If the individual is fully vaccinated:
- No quarantine required.
- Mask while around others and monitor for symptoms for 10 days from date of exposure.
- Test on day 5, if possible.
- If the individual develops any symptoms or tests positive during quarantine, they must isolate.
Children ages 12 to 15 are now eligible for the Pfizer booster shots. Please visit https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov for more information or to find a vaccine and booster site near you. You may also visit the county health department website for any location options available.
If you have any questions about this new state guidance, please contact your school nurse or principal.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate the changing guidance impacting our schools. As always, we communicate any changes after they have been discussed with and approved by our local department of health. Thank you for your cooperation.
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