Frequently Asked Questions

We understand families have questions regarding the Modified Quarantine Protocols for Contacts in Schools that was released by the St. Charles County Department of Public Health and shared with families on November 24. The new protocols, which went into effect on November 30, are intended to keep healthy students and staff in school. We continue to work closely with SCCDPH and we will keep this document updated with the latest information we have from our local health officials. If you still have additional questions, please email info@wsdr4.org and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Who determines if a mask was worn appropriately?

Our nurses and administrators who are conducting the contact tracing are asking those questions as part of their investigation. If there is any doubt that masks were worn correctly when there was a positive case in school, they are erring on the side of caution and issuing a standard quarantine.

What types of face coverings are considered acceptable? Here is our guidance, based on recommendations from both the CDC and the St. Charles County Department of Public Health, for the types of masks that are appropriate and acceptable for a close contact to be considered for a modified quarantine.

Can students in a modified quarantine participate in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities?

No. Per the joint guidance of the Department of Health and Senior Services and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, students in a modified quarantine are permitted to go to and from home for the regular school day only. They may not participate in activities before or after school, including school sports and clubs.

Can students in a modified quarantine participate in Chautauqua?

No. Students in a modified quarantine are not permitted to participate in before or after school care.

What about the new recommendations announced by the CDC for shortened quarantine periods? Is the WSD implementing those?

We are awaiting further guidance from the St. Charles County Department of Public Health, which is reviewing the latest information from the CDC. If SCCDPH changes its process related to the length of quarantines, we will follow their guidance and notify students, staff, and families about any change.

Here is the latest information the District has received from SCCDPH:

The CDC shared information on various options for state and local health department regarding quarantine period for close contacts.The CDC still recommends a 14-day quarantine for close contacts. The information shared on December 2 are options that can be taken into consideration based on local circumstances and resources. SCCDPH is currently reviewing the information and related research. At this time, no changes to our quarantine process for close contacts have been made. If any changes are made, SCCDPH will announce those changes to schools and the community.