Today, the Ohio Department of Health announced changes in the quarantine procedures for schools. These changes only apply to students exposed in school. If a student is exposed at home or outside of school or a school activity, the current quarantine procedures remain in effect. These new procedures are an option. Parents may continue to choose the current procedures and keep the student at home during the quarantine period.
Please read the attached guide to see the new policy from the Ohio Department of Health.
In summary, a student exposed as a close contact at school can stay in school by wearing a mask. If they have a negative COVID test on day 5 or after, they can stop wearing the mask on day 8. In addition, to participate in extra-curricular activities you must have a negative COVID test on the first day and follow the rest of the new procedures.
We have followed the lead of our state and local health departments throughout this pandemic. We will continue to do so. I am advised in meetings we need to learn to live with COVID. It is not going away anytime soon. Our mindset must adjust from dealing with a short-term crisis with an end in sight to living with a long-term situation with no easy solution.
Thank you for your support of this district and our students!!
Dave Heflinger
Superintendent