2022-2023 School Year

COVID-19 ISOLATION Guidance in K-12 Schools

Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 and/or displays COVID-19 symptoms (without an alternate diagnosis or negative COVID-19 test) should isolate regardless of vaccination status:

• Isolate at home for the first 5 days (starting with the day after symptoms began or day after test was taken for those without symptoms); and
• If symptoms have improved or no symptoms developed, return to normal activities, while wearing a well-fitted mask, for the next 5 days to protect others.

AND

• If individual has a fever, stay home until fever free for a period of 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications before returning to normal activities while wearing a wellfitted mask, until the 10-day period is complete.

OR

• Isolate at home for 10 days if unwilling/unable to wear a mask

COVID-19 Quarantine Guidance in K-12 Schools

Quarantine guidance may be adjusted to respond to and control outbreaks within a school setting. School administrators should work with their local health departments for outbreak response and follow additional quarantine recommendations as situations dictate to maintain a safer learning environment for staff and students. 3 For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

Individual is exposed to someone who is positive for COVID-19 and:

1.  Exposure is to a personal/household contact*:
   • Conduct symptom monitoring for 10 days; and
   • Test at least one time if possible 3-7 days after exposure and if symptoms develop; and
   • Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days from the date of last exposure to protect others – A “test to stay” protocol may be developed in partnership with the school and local health department based on local conditions; and
   • Avoid unmasked activities or activities with higher risk of exposing vulnerable individuals** for 10 days from the date of last exposure                                                                                                                    
2. Exposure is to other type of contact (from a community, social or work setting)
   • Conduct symptom monitoring for 10 days; and
   • Test if symptoms develop; and
   • Consider wearing a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of last exposure to protect others. At a minimum, wear a mask in settings with higher risk of exposing vulnerable individuals**

*Personal/Household contacts include individuals you share living spaces with, including bedrooms, bathrooms, living room and kitchens. It also includes those who live together, sleep over, carpool or have direct exposure to respiratory secretions from a positive individual (e.g. kissing, sharing drinks, changing diapers, etc…). This would include exposure in childcare settings for those under 2 years of age.

**Activities with higher risk of exposing vulnerable individuals may include activities where you cannot mask, interactions with those who are immunocompromised or other high-risk individuals, and social/recreational activities in congregate settings.

Per the CDC, people may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. Schools should follow the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Level  masking guidelines.

Masks should:

• Completely cover the nose and mouth.

• Fit snugly against the sides of the face and not have any gaps.

• Be handled only by the ear loops, cords, or head straps (not by the surface of the mask).