GREENFIELD — Greenfield-Central has notified parents that students identified as close contacts for COVID-19 will now have the option of returning to school prior to the full 14-day exclusion period.
According to a letter sent out to parents via email, the decision was based on information shared by the Indiana State Department of Health on Aug. 24.
Students identified as close contacts, who are and remain asymptomatic, now have three options:
–Remain home for the full 14-day exclusion period, as has been the default option since July 2020;
–Return to school on day 11 of the exclusion period. No testing is required, but students must must follow enhanced precautions as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
–Return to school on day 8 of the exclusion period if their family provides proof of a negative PCR or BinaxNow test from day 5, 6, or 7 after exposure from a lab-based testing location.
As stated in the letter, the school district will expect individuals who choose to return to school prior to day 14 to comply with the following enhanced precautions as defined by the CDC:
— Wear a mask at all times during the school day
— Maintain a distance of at least 3 feet from others at all times during the school day
— Maintain at least 6 feet from others at lunchtime, as masks will be off when eating
— Monitor symptoms on a daily basis. If symptoms arise, return home for the remainder of the quarantine period.
— Because a 3-foot distance cannot be maintained on the school bus, families will be required to provide transportation to and from school.
This new guidance applies to students who were identified as close contacts as early as Monday, Aug. 30.
Mt. Vernon and Southern Hancock schools also allow for the shorter quarantines.
