Dear PVE Families,
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY:
This information serves as the update we stated would be sent in regard to the options for students to return early from their quarantine. Please feel free to reach out to Amy Senethavilay or Carrie Allumbaugh to discuss any of this information.
**For this group of students, if you choose the TEST-BASED option discussed below, you may test no earlier than MONDAY, January 18.**
Exposure Quarantine Length of Time
CDC/CDH have implemented options to shorten isolation to reduce the burden of isolation on individuals, families, and businesses. The shortened options include a 10-day non-test-based strategy and a 7-day test-based strategy.
While Central District Health supports the revised guidance for quarantine, it favors the non-test-based strategy currently because asymptomatic testing is not widely available within its jurisdiction. A longer quarantine also decreases a person’s chance of unknowingly spreading the virus to others if infected without symptoms.
This outlines the quarantine scenarios for West Ada School District.
Fourteen days of isolation: West Ada School District’s current practice for an exposure is 14 days in quarantine and is considered the best practice and remains the safest way to avoid spreading COVID-19.
Non-Test-Based Scenario: Person was exposed, has no symptoms, and was not tested:
- · Isolation can end after day 10 from the last day of close contact with the positive case, provided no symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring. (Student may return on the 11th day if there are no symptoms and with follow through of additional actions. *See below.)
Test-Based Scenario: Person was exposed, has no symptoms, and has a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result
- · The specimen may be collected as early as day 5 after last day of exposure using a PRC test
- · Quarantine can end only after the negative test result is available, but no earlier than day 7. (If negative and no symptoms, student may return to school on the 8th day after exposure with the follow through of additional actions. *See below)
- · If a PCR test is not taken this is not an acceptable quarantine period
*In both scenarios, additional measures such as continued daily symptom monitoring and masking through day 14 must be met and are outlined in the full text found on the CDC’s website:
*Regardless of what scenario is followed, symptom monitoring (via COVID-19 Interactive Tool), masking, hand hygiene, and physical distance must continue through day 14. If at any time an individual develops symptoms during the 14 days after exposure to an individual who tested positive, they should isolate and seek testing.
Effective January 5, 2021
Here is the link to the PVE COVID-19 Interactive Tool that must be completed daily for those students returning early (8th or 11th day). PVE COVID Interactive Tool This tool must be completed the each morning by 8:30 or before a student is able to get on a bus.
Sincerely,
Amy Senethavilay
