March 16, 2022
Dear Independence Local Schools’ Families,
Late last week, the Ohio Department of Health updated school requirements regarding tracking and reporting of Covid-19 cases. Most recently, the ODH is easing requirements for case reporting by K-12 schools, effective immediately.
Schools will no longer be required to:
- Maintain a COVID-19 reporting system for parents to report positive COVID-19 cases.
- Have a designated COVID-19 coordinator for the district.
- Notify parents of positive COVID-19 cases among staff, students, or coaches.
- Report positive cases of COVID-19 to their local health department unless the school tests a student for COVID-19 and the result is positive.
The update also noted that the Mask to Stay, Test to Play protocols will still remain in effect - meaning if a student or staff member is exposed to someone with Covid-19, they may continue to attend school, if symptom-free, while wearing a mask.
I truly hope and believe this is a great next step in us moving forward with a healthy and engaging finish to our school year! As always, if your student is not feeling well, please keep them home.
Thank you,
Ben Hegedish
Superintendent
