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We were recently informed by the Ulster County Dept of Health(UCDOH) that they had endorsed the updates in Covid-19 guidance from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) This included shortened timelines for Isolation and Quarantine, as well as a Test to Stay policy. Based on this new guidance coming to light, our MLWS Covid-19 Taskforce sprung into action to review the following:
- 5 day quarantine/isolation
- Test To Stay after In school exposures
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Length of Quarantine after exposure (for vaccinated, boosted/un-boosted & unvaccinated students )
- Length of Isolation
After careful consideration, we have updated our school Covid-19 policies. Please see our recommendations for students who have come into close contact with a person with Covid-19 (positive exposure) as well as updated guidance for Isolation for students with Covid-19.
Quarantine & Isolation Guidance for Positive In School Exposures
If your child has an exposure to a classmate or teacher, who tests positive for Covid-19, families have the option to adopt our Test to Stay policy or Quarantine. Employing a TTS policy will help to avoid a full class closure.
Test To Stay (TTS)
If a student,(regardless of their vaccination status), is in close contact with a classmate, or teacher, who tests positive, the Test to Stay program will allow the exposed student to remain in school as long as they participate in having three tests administered within seven days. The seven-day period is measured in calendar days where the last date of exposure is considered day 0. The first test should be done as soon as possible after exposure is identified.
- Tests must be taken on Days 1, 3 and 5.
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The student must have negative test results and be completely asymptomatic.
- This policy only applies if there was an in-school exposure and does not apply if a student is a close contact elsewhere.
Quarantine Requirements For In School Exposure
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Quarantine time has been reduced to 5 full days,(day 0-5) regardless of vaccination status.
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On Day 6, proof of a negative Rapid Antigen Test result is needed to return to school, in addition to the student being completely asymptomatic.
Testing Positive for Covid-19
Isolation
Isolation is for students who have a positive Covid-19 test or who have symptoms and are waiting for the results of a Covid-19 test. Isolation is for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
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Students who test positive for Covid-19 will be required to isolate for a minimum of 5 full days (with day 0 being the day symptoms started or date of positive test) regardless of vaccination status. If symptoms persist, further isolation will be required until fever-free for 24 hours and all symptoms are improving.
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Asymptomatic or recovered students may attend school after the 5 full days of isolation, returning on Day 6, if testing on Day 6 is negative.
- Students must test on days 5 and 6 in order to return.
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Test on Day 5, prior to attending school (Rapid Antigen test)
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Test on Day 6, prior to attending school (Rapid Antigen test)
- If the Day 5 &/or Day 6 test is positive, students will need to Isolate a full 10 days and return on Day 11.
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If students do not test at all, they will need to remain in Isolation for 10 days and can return to school on Day 11. With this option, no test is required in order to return to school, but students need to be fever free for 24 hours with symptoms improving or resolved.
Quarantine Requirements for Positive Exposures Outside School
(same quarantine requirements as an In school exposure)
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Quarantine time has been reduced to 5 full days,(day 0-5) regardless of vaccination status.
- On Day 6, proof of a negative Rapid Antigen Test result is needed to return to school, in addition to the student being completely asymptomatic.
Test To Stay - TTS is not an option for positive exposures outside of school.
Thank you,
Susan Ramaty
On Behalf of the MLWS Covid-19 Task Force
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