News and Announcements

Yesterday we received updated guidance from MSDH on quarantine and isolation due to exposure to COVID19. The information is below. You can always access the most up-to-date version of the guidelines at https://schools.jacksondiocese.org/education-overview/covid-19-response-resources/

1. The isolation and school exclusion period for a positive case of COVID-19 is changed from 14 days to 10 days for consistency with current CDC guidance. The 10 days is from the onset of symptoms, or the date of their test if they are asymptomatic. Note: this is only for individuals who test positive. If they are quarantining because of possible exposure it is still 14 days (see #4).

2.The exposure time to be considered a close contact to a case of COVID-19 is updated to less than 6 feet for 15 minutes cumulative throughout the day.

3. Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious (naps or sleeping), incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

4.There is no test out of quarantine; the quarantine period is a full 14 days regardless of any test results during the quarantine period.

5. People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months as long as they do not develop symptoms again.

6. Symptom and temperature screening recommendations added. Temperature of equal to 100○F or higher should be considered fever for screening purposes.

Although it was not our typical first week of school, it was great to be back! Having chosen to phase-in our students it enabled us to start slowly and carefully. After being out for so long, this was beneficial for our students as well as our teachers to get used to new procedures and a new environment.

As we move forward with our school year, we want to maintain this level of commitment to safety. We have created strategies that will encourage behaviors that will reduce the spread of COVID-19. In order to make sure we are effectively implementing some of these strategies, we need your help. Please contact the front office if your student or any individual who has attended a school event:

1) Tested Positive for COVID-19

2) Was exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 DIRECTLY (more than 15 minutes/ less than 6ft apart)

3) Is showing symptoms that could be COVID-19 related

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/symptom-screening.html

Communication is the key to keeping our families healthy and safe. Thank you for your continued support and prayers as begin an unprecedented yet what we hope will be a successful year.