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COVID-19 UPDATE - SCENARIOS INCLUDED - DECEMBER 29, 2021
Dear Uxbridge Families,
I'm hopeful you had a wonderful break, were able to enjoy the holidays and spend time with family and friends. As you are aware, the challenges associated with COVID-19 remain, and with the number of increased cases locally, across the state, and nationally, we are working to ensure we are positioned for a safe and healthy return to school. Experts are predicting that as a result of the holiday season, and the Omicron variant, this spike will continue over the next few weeks. It is critically important that if your student is symptomatic they stay home until they are safe to return according to the latest guidance.
Our nurses, admin team and entire staff are working tirelessly to make certain that schools can remain safely open. We will continue to prioritize use of our testing program (Test & Stay/Pool Testing) as well as follow DESE/DPH’s COVID-19 guidelines. This week, DESE/DPH issued updated guidance following the CDC's recommended changes related to isolation and quarantine durations. We received the following from DESE on December 29, 2021:
“Updates to isolation and quarantine guidance. As many of you know, the CDC recently made changes to their guidance related to COVID-19 isolation and quarantine durations. The Department of Public Health (DPH)has updated the state-wide guidance which includes a reduction of the required isolation period for COVID-19 positive individuals in K-12 schools to 5 days (from 10 days in current guidance), effective immediately."
These updates will go into effect immediately. To help understand these changes and assist in the safe transition back to school we have provided a few scenarios below. For additional information, please see the attached updated local protocols with noted changes highlighted in yellow.
We know the pandemic continues to place added pressure on students, families, our staff and community as a whole. We are genuinely appreciative of your patience, support, and partnership. Be well and Happy New Year!
Pat Dillon, Ed. D
Superintendent
Scenario #1--If your child tested positive over this vacation up through December 29, please read the following:
If your child tested positive over this vacation up through 12/29, regardless of vaccination status, and they continue to have symptoms that are not resolving or they have a fever >100.0, they must stay home on January 4th. You need to email the child's school nurse and review the situation before your child returns to school.
If your child tested positive over this vacation up through 12/29, they have no symptoms or their symptoms are greatly improved, and they have not had a fever in the prior 24 hours, they may return to school on January 4th. Please email your child's school nurse to let them know.
Scenario #2--If your child tested positive over this vacation from December 30 through January 4, please read the following:
Your child must stay home on January 4th.
Your child must stay home for 5 days from the date of the positive test or the onset of symptoms, whichever occurred first.
You need to email the school nurse and review the situation before your child returns to school.
Scenario #3--If your child was exposed to someone with COVID-19 and they have been vaccinated within the last 6 months and/or had a booster:
1. They may return to school on January 4th.
2. They must wear a mask at all times for 10 days from the date of the exposure, including on the bus and in the car riding with others.
3. They should test on Day 5 after the close contact if possible.
4. If they develop symptoms, they must stay home and get a test.