Dear Lincoln-Way families,
The Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois State Board of Education and Will County Health Department announced that the agencies have adopted CDC guidance for P-12 schools that reduces the isolation and quarantine period. Effective immediately, Lincoln-Way will adhere to this new guidance.
The isolation and quarantine period for students and staff members sick with COVID-19 or considered a close contact has been reduced to five days as long as the person is fever free for 24 hours and symptoms have improved. Staff and students who are currently impacted by a quarantine now have a revised return-to-school date.
This announcement does not change the state of Illinois’ mask requirement for anyone inside school buildings. The Governor’s indoor mask mandate for school is still in effect until further notice.
Below is some information related to quarantine and recommended isolation periods:
What is quarantine?
Quarantine means staying home for at least 5 days after exposure to someone diagnosed with COVID-19. This is because someone can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 but may not show symptoms. Even though someone may not show symptoms, they can still spread the virus.
Quarantine is different from isolation. Isolation is used by someone who has symptoms of COVID-19, or tests positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, even if they don’t have symptoms. Isolation helps prevent transmission of the virus by separating people infected with the virus from those who are not infected.
How does this new quarantine guidance impact staff and students if they test positive for COVID-19?
How does the new quarantine guidance impact staff and students who are considered close contacts to someone who tested positive with COVID-19?
For detailed information on the CDC recommendations for COVID-19 quarantine, click here.
Thank you for your continued support and flexibility.