January 10, 2022

Dear Queen Bee 16 Families,

Late last week, the CDC updated their guidance regarding the quarantine requirements for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and for individuals who have had a Confirmed Close Contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.  As a result, we will now modify our Quarantine Requirements for Employees and Students to align more closely with the updated CDC Guidelines.  The updated guidelines are as follows:

1. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must Quarantine for a minimum of 5 days from the onset of their symptoms. Individuals who are fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of symptom suppressants (Advil, Tylenol, Cold, and Flu Medicine) may return after 5 days of Quarantine and must closely adhere to the mitigation protocols within our schools upon return.  

2. Individuals who are a Confirmed Close Contact may return to school after a 5-day quarantine period if they are symptom-free without the aid of symptom suppressants(Advil, Tylenol, Cold, and Flu Medicines) and must closely adhere to the mitigation protocols within our schools upon return.

3. Individuals who are unvaccinated and who live with an individual who is positive for COVID-19 must Quarantine for 5 days after the 5-day quarantine of their family member. For example, students with a parent who tests positive, may return 10 days after their parents first symptom, if the student is symptom-free without the aid of symptom suppressants. 

This change in guidance is a stark departure from the guidance that we have received previously.  It does allow us to acknowledge that the overwhelming majority of Close Contacts never become symptomatic, nor do they test positive as a result of the known close contact.  However, we have learned by experience that not all individuals are ready to return after 5 days.  In fact, the updated CDC guidance acknowledges that almost 1/3 of COVID-19 Cases are still symptomatic after 5 days.  

Therefore, all individuals in Queen Bee 16 who are impacted by this Quarantine Practice will have the option of a 10 Day Quarantine.  There is no pressure from our school district to resume attendance or work until you are physically able to do so.  Individuals requesting a Quarantine in excess of 10 days, following a Positive COVID-19 diagnosis, will need to provide a medical rationale from a physician.  

This updated quarantine practice will take effect immediately.  Impacted employees will be notified today, as will the families of the students currently engaged in our Remote Learning program.  Please feel free to contact me directly if you have concerns, questions, or insights to share. 

Thank you,

Joseph R. Williams, Ed. D.

Superintendent

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