According to the CDC, “Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Quarantine helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department.” 

As some families have reached out looking for more specific guidance, here are some FAQs from our Medical Committee: 

What does this mean for my child in quarantine? 

• He/she can be around household members without masking or distancing.

• He/she can be outdoors on your property or in your yard, but do not invite others to join you.

• You should monitor your quarantined student for symptoms. If the student develops symptoms, he/she should get tested and should be considered as having a positive test while waiting for results. Any positive results should be reported to Nurse Rachel right away.

What does it mean for my other household members who are not in quarantine? 

• The other members of your household do not need to quarantine at this time.

• The rest of your family can leave the property and interact with others, but should be extra vigilant about social distancing.

• You should not have visitors in your house, or in your yard (unless the quarantinedindividual is inside at the time).

If my child tests negative during quarantine, can he/she come out of quarantine? 

• No. Testing negative would not exempt someone from quarantine as one could still test positive up to 14 days from exposure.