Quarantine vs. Self Isolation

Quarantine vs. Isolation: How is this determined? 

 

Self-isolation: When an individual tests positive for SARS-Co-V2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, he or she must isolate for a designated period of time to reduce the spread of illness.  The person should not be around others or attend school until he or she has reached the end of the isolation period.The time period of self-isolation is typically a minimum of 10 days from symptom onset. At the end of that time period, if there has been a reduction in symptoms and no fever for 24 hours or more (without the use of fever-reducing medicine.) At the end of this time, even though a person may still have viral particles, they are not considered contagious and are able to be around others. If your student has tested positive,  please contact Nurse Vicki at 660-882-8019 or [email protected] to let her know.

 

Quarantine: Individuals who meet guidelines to be placed under quarantine are those who have been exposed to close contact with a person who has tested positive for SARS-Co-V2 (the virus that causes COVID-19.)   Each situation of a possible close contact occurring at school or a school activity will be contact-traced by District Health Coordinator Vicki Friedrich. After it has been determined that a student should quarantine, the student’s family will receive a call from Nurse Vicki outlining the dates and specifics of quarantine. The typical time period of quarantine is within 14 days of last positive COVID-19 exposure, since symptoms of COVID-19 may appear from days 2-14 after last exposure to a positive COVID case. Individuals under quarantine should avoid contact with others as much as possible and not attend school. Quarantined students are asked to monitor the appearance of symptoms and get tested if they appear.