Earlier this week, the Indiana Department of Health released new guidance for the K-12 school setting for managing COVID-19 cases. The number of positive COVID-19 cases is dropping across the state, and IDOH believes it is time to transition to a different level of response and have the burden of responsibility fall in the hands of parents.
Beginning February 23, schools no longer have to quarantine or contact trace. This means if a school becomes aware of a student testing positive, the school no longer has to notify families of students whose children may be close contacts. Since close contacts do not have to be notified that also eliminates quarantining. Schools may continue doing so if they wish, but it is no longer a requirement.
If a student test positive, their caregivers should keep them home for five days. Just like the flu or any other illness, caregivers need to notify the school and keep their children home in isolation.
Additionally, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be ending its COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinic at the end of the month on February 24.
Since the guidance has been released some school districts have announced they are dropping mask mandates and that mask-wearing will be optional for staff and students.
Caregivers should check with their children’s school to determine what impact the guidance will have on how their children’s school will manage COVID-19.
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