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COVID-19 In Schools Update
COVID-19 In Schools Update
Posted on 01/13/2022

QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION AT A GLANCE  

The new timelines recently published in the WA State DOH K-12 COVID-19 Requirements, can get complicated, but taking the right steps is important to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in schools.

Here is a printable ‘At-A-Glance’ resource that breaks down exactly what you need to know and do based on your individual situation.     

Effective Jan. 7, 2022, the WA State DOH updated K-12 COVID-19 Requirements shortening the quarantine and isolation timeframes resulting in a quicker return to school following a positive test or exposure.  This at-a-glance guide is to provide you with the latest information based on your individual situation. 

SYMPTOMATIC (Experiencing Symptoms) 
Exposed FULLY VACCINATED*
Positive Test:  Isolate for 5 days, return on day 6 as long as symptoms improve or resolve, fever-free for 24 hrs with no meds, mask for all activities through day 10.
Negative Test:  May return to school with lab-verified test results
No Test:  Isolate for 5 days, return on day 6 as long as symptoms improve or resolve, fever-free for 24 hrs w/no meds, mask for all activities through day 10
NOT FULLY VACCINATED OR NOT VACCINATED*
Positive Test on Day 5 or after: 
 Isolate for 5 days, return on day 6, as long as symptoms improve or resolve, fever-free for 24 hrs with no meds, mask for all activities through day 10
Negative Test on Day 5 or after:  Return with lab-verified test as long as symptoms improve, fever-free for 24 hrs with no meds, mask for all activities through day 10
No Test:  Stay home for 14 days since last exposure.  May return on day 15 with no test as long as no symptoms persist.
Not Exposed Positive Test:   Isolate for 5 days, return on day 6 as long as symptoms improve or resolve, fever-free for 24 hrs with no meds, mask for all activities through day 10
Negative Test:  Return to school with lab-verified test as long as symptoms improve, fever-free for 24 hrs with no meds, mask for all activities through day 10
No Test:  Isolate for 5 days, return on day 6 as long as symptoms improve or resolve, fever-free for 24 hrs with no meds, mask for all activities through day 10
Positive Test:   Isolate for 5 days, return on day 6 as long as symptoms improve or resolve, fever-free for 24 hours, no meds, mask for all activities through day 10
Negative Test:  Return to school with lab-verified test as long as symptoms improve, fever-free for 24 hrs with no meds, mask for all activities through day 10
No Test:  Isolate for 5 days, return on day 6 as long as symptoms improve or resolve, fever-free for 24 hrs with no meds, mask for all activities through day 10
 ASYMPTOMATIC (No Symptoms)  
Exposed in School Cleared for school as long as no symptoms; monitor self and mask for all activities through day 10.  Recommend to test day 5-7 post exposure.  
Positive Test: Isolate for 5 days, return on day 6 as long as symptoms improve or resolve, fever-free for 24 hrs with no meds, mask for all activities through day 10
Negative Test/No Test:  Cleared for school as long as no symptoms; monitor self and mask for all activities through day 10
 Quarantine is necessary.  There are 3 options for students, 2 options for staff:
1.  Test to Stay: Modified 5-day Quarantine, only available for students exposed in school.
2.  5-day quarantine, return on day 6 with lab-verified negative test (test on day 5 or after).  Mask for all activities through day 10.
3. 10-day quarantine, return on day 11.  No test required unless symptoms develop.
Exposed outside School Cleared for school as long as no symptoms; monitor self and mask for all activities through day 10.  Recommended to test day 5-7 post exposure. 
Positive Test: Isolate for 5 days, return on day 6 as long as symptoms improve or resolve, fever-free for 24 hrs with no meds, mask for all activities through day 10.
Negative Test/No Test:  Cleared for school as long as no symptoms; monitor self and mask for all activities through day 10.
 Quarantine is necessary.  There are 2 options:
1.  5-day quarantine, return on day 6 with lab-verified negative test (test on day 5 or after) Mask for all activities through day 10.
2.  10-day quarantine, return on day 11.  No test required unless symptoms develop.
 *Unable to isolate from positive person (Ex. family exposure) Cleared for school as long as no symptoms, monitor self and wear mask through day 10.  Recommend to test day 5-7 post exposure.  
Positive Test: Isolate for 5 days, return on day 6 as long as symptoms improve or resolve, fever-free for 24 hrs with no meds, mask for all activities through day 10.
Negative Test/No Test: Cleared for school as long as no symptoms; monitor self and wear mask for all activities through day 10.
Positive Test: Isolate for 5 days, return on day 6 as long as symptoms improve or resolve, fever-free for 24 hrs with no meds, Mask for all activities through day 10. 
Negative Test:  No school for 15 days.  Get tested on day 15 (post exposure), may return on day 16 with a lab-verified negative test.
No Test:  No school for 20 days, may return on day 21.   
  *Vaccination Definition: Staff who have not received a booster shot 5 months past 2nd dose of Moderna and Pfizer, or 2 months past J&J dose are not fully vaccinated 
     • Ages 5-17 yrs: Have completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines, 2 weeks past 2nd dose.
     • Ages 18 up: Have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters (2 weeks past dose).
     • Anyone who has had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90-days.