The Indiana Department of Health announced changes in COVID-19 guidance for K-12 schools Thursday.
Due to declining cases across the state, beginning February 23, schools will no longer be required to conduct contact tracing or report positive cases to the Department of Health. Schools no longer will need to quarantine students who are exposed to a positive COVID-19 case, regardless of vaccination status or whether the school requires masks. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for five days and may return on Day six if they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication so long as symptoms are improving, according to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Individuals should wear a mask through Day 10 any time they are around others inside their homes or in public.
Schools are expected to continue assisting local health departments with notification in the event of an outbreak or cluster and are encouraged to continue to share information with families when a case is identified so parents can monitor their children for symptoms.
Similarly, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning is lifting quarantine requirements for children exposed at their childcare program.
