Dear UUSD Families,
Happy Friday! I wanted to update you regarding the revised California Department of Public Health Guideline and a new health order from Dr. Coren, our Mendocino County Public Health Officer, regarding isolation orders for individuals infected with COVID-19. Here is what you need to know:
Q: What if my student tests positive for COVID-19?
A: Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, must isolate themselves for 10 days, but has the opportunity to shorten this isolation period. (See next question)
Q: According to the new health orders, when can my student return to school?
A: 5 days after your student tests positive for COVID-19, if your student has been fever-free for at least 24 hours, has decreasing or no symptoms, and if your student tests negative for COVID-19 with a rapid antigen test, your student may return to school on day 6. Your student will need to remain in isolation for up to ten days until they test negative for COVID-19 with a rapid antigen test.
Q: Where can I get a rapid antigen test?
A: All UUSD staff and students may take a rapid antigen test, free of charge, at their school office or the UUSD District Service Center located at 511 S. Orchard Ave. Students who test positive for COVID-19 and would like to return to school before the 10 day isolation period expires will need to take a rapid antigen test at the District Office or their school office. If that test is negative after the 5th day of isolation, the District Office or school office will clear the student to return to school on day 6.
Q: Is this new option only for students who are vaccinated?
A: No. This option applies to anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. Any student or staff member who has COVID-19 may return to school on day 6 of their isolation as long as they are fever-free for at least 24 hours AND they test negative for COVID-19 with a rapid antigen test.
Q: When will this new option begin?
A: This new option is effective immediately. Our school front offices will contact students and staff who tested positive for COVID-19 this week to inform them of this timeline as it pertains to them. Please call your school office if you have any questions.
Q: What is the definition of “Current COVID-19 Vaccine”?
A: A person is considered to have a “Current COVID-19 Vaccine” if: 1) They received all boosters for which they are eligible, or 2) They are fully vaccinated (2 or more weeks have passed since receiving final dose) but not yet eligible for boosters.
Q: Is there a special kind of mask that my student will need to wear if they return from isolation early?
A: Yes. Students and staff who return from isolation before the 10 day isolation period expires will need to wear a medical-grade mask. Your student’s school will provide one.
I know that it can be confusing as we adjust to the changed orders and guidelines, so please bear with us as we work to implement them. We are in the process of updating our COVID-19 Safety Plan and will notify you when the revised version has been posted to our website. Thank you so much for your support. As always, please call or email with questions.
Respectfully,
Debra Kubin, Superintendent