Good Afternoon:
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated guidance that reduces the isolation period for someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
The Dubuque County Health Department, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the CDC are all in alignment regarding this guidance. Beginning Thursday, January 13th, our district will begin following this new isolation guidance. The guidance allows individuals to return to school after 5 days as follows:
COVID-19 POSITIVE CASE / ISOLATION GUIDELINES
Based on guidance from the CDC, IDPH and Dubuque County Health Department, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will be instructed to self-isolate for at least 5 calendar days following the onset of symptoms OR 5 calendar days following the date the positive test was administered if the individual is asymptomatic. (Day 0 is the first day of symptoms or the date the positive test was administered if asymptomatic.)
Individuals may return to school after the 5 calendar days if ALL THREE of the following are true:
- The individual’s symptoms are resolving or the individual continues to not have symptoms if asymptomatic
- The individual continues to wear a mask around others for an additional 5 calendar days
- The individual is fever free for 24 hours (one full day) without fever-reducing medication
The guidance above will be provided to individuals who test positive for COVID-19. Parents can choose to have their child isolate for 10 days based on their symptoms and health care situation.
During the contact tracing process, you will be informed that the recommended quarantine period for identified unvaccinated household close contacts will also be 5 calendar days with wearing a mask around others for an additional 5 calendar days.
If you have any questions regarding this message, please let me know.
Thank you.
Rick Colpitts, Superintendent
Western Dubuque Community School District