COVID Update 2-21-22
School Operations During the Covid-19 Endemic
February 21, 2022
Our schools have worked diligently over the past 2 years to implement measures that would afford a safe learning environment and minimize the exposure to Covid-19 for students and staff.
On February 17, 2022, the ISDH announced that schools would no longer be required to contact trace close contacts of positive students. They indicated that the value and feasibility of contact tracing has waned. They cited asymptomatic and mild cases, unknown infection, shorter incubation periods and pandemic fatigue as reasons to eliminate this process.
In essence, Covid-19 has shifted from a pandemic to an endemic like other illnesses that we manage throughout the year such as the flu.
As a result, beginning Monday, February 21, 2022 Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools will no longer be quarantining and excluding from school close contacts of individuals who test positive for Covid-19.
Individuals who test positive for Covid-19 must still notify the school and will still be required to follow the guidance below:
COVID-19 Positive
- Isolate at home for 5 days
- Return on day 6 if symptoms improved
- Wear a mask in all school settings except while eating or drinking for 5 additional days.
*Must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication.
Virtual learning options will only be available to students who are isolating due to a verified case of Covid-19.
GJCS will no longer provide BinaxNOW rapid testing for individuals.
Individuals may seek testing through other local sources.