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YCSD Adopts Shorter Isolation and Quarantine Periods

The York County School Division will adopt shorter isolation and quarantine periods for staff and students in grades K-12, effective Tuesday, January 11, 2022. This adjustment reflects information received from state officials after the CDC provided clarification on the agency's revised guidance.

Isolation

Isolation is for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status.

Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days. Individuals who are asymptomatic after 5 days of isolation may return to school on the 6th day. They must remain masked when around others, except when eating or drinking, for an additional 5 days (through day 10) and in accordance with state mask requirements.

*Participation in some extracurricular activities may be limited through day 10 due to the masking requirement.

Individuals experiencing any of the symptoms identified in the YCSD Daily Health Screening on Day 6 must continue to remain home until asymptomatic.

Students and staff who have previously been provided a return date between Jan. 12 and Jan. 16, who are asymptomatic, may return to school tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 11.

Quarantine

Quarantine is for individuals who were exposed to someone with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

Students and staff who have not been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 should remain home in quarantine for at least 5 full days after their last close contact with the case positive individual if they are one of the following groups:

• People who are ages 18 and older and completed the primary series of recommended vaccine, but have not received a recommended booster shot when eligible.
• People who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine over 2 months ago and have not received a recommended booster shot.
• People who are not vaccinated or have not completed a primary vaccine series.

Students and staff who came into close contact with someone with COVID-19 and are in one of the following groups do not need to quarantine:

• People who are ages 18 and older and have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters and additional primary shots for some immunocompromised people.
• People who are ages 5–17 years and completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.
• People who had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days (tested positive using a viral test).