Return to In-Person Instruction

September 2022

 

On February 17, 2022, the ISDH announced that schools would no longer be required to contact trace close contacts of positive students. They indicated that the value and feasibility of contact tracing has waned. They cited asymptomatic and mild cases, unknown infection, shorter incubation periods and pandemic fatigue as reasons to eliminate this process.

In essence, Covid-19 has shifted from a pandemic to an endemic like other illnesses that we manage throughout the year such as the flu.

As a result, beginning Monday, February 21, 2022 Southwest Dubois County Schools will no longer require students to quarantine or be excluded from school if they are a close contact of individuals who test positive for Covid-19.

Students and staff who test positive for Covid-19 must still notify the school and will still be required to follow the guidance below:

• Isolation/Quarantine Guidance

• COVID-19 Positive- Must show proof of a positive test.  A Picture of a home test card with the student's name and date of test are required or a copy/documentation of lab test must be provided.

• Isolate at home for 5 days

• Return on day 6 if symptoms improve.

  • *Must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication.

Symptoms: 

• Recommend Covid testing for multiple symptoms

• Must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication even if covid test comes back negative.

• If vomiting- is able to eat 2 solid meals before returning to school

• Free of diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school.

Virtual learning options will only be available to students who are isolating due to a verified case of Covid-19.

SWDCS will no longer provide BinaxNOW rapid testing for individuals.

Individuals may seek testing through other local sources.