Recently, we were notified by the New Jersey Department of Health that the CALI score will no longer be used to determine quarantine/monitoring rules. 

Close Contacts 

Close contacts to a COVID-19 positive individual who are not fully vaccinated, should be excluded for 10 days from school if they do not submit to a PCR COVID test. The 10-day period begins from the date of last contact. Close contacts should test between days 5 and 7. If the PCR test is negative, the close contact may now return to school on the 8th day. This is a change from the previous quarantine period for close contacts. 

Fully vaccinated individuals, who have close contact with someone with COVID-19, do not need to be excluded from school or quarantine if they are asymptomatic, but should test for COVID 5-7 days after exposure. This is a change from the original 3-5 days for testing.

Travel

At this time, there is no change to the previous travel guidance. Please be aware of the following, as you make holiday plans for your and your family.

Unvaccinated individuals who do travel, domestically and outside of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, should get tested 1-3 days before their trip and 3-5 days after travel. Even if they test negative upon return, the CDC recommends unvaccinated individuals stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after domestic travel, and for 10 days if they are unable to test.

Fully vaccinated individuals and those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months do not need to get tested or self-quarantine after travel. However, the CDC recommends fully vaccinated individuals self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, and isolate and get tested if they develop symptoms.

Staff/Student Testing Changes 

Beginning Monday, December 20, testing of teachers and staff who are not fully vaccinated will return to one time per week. Student-athletes may be required to test for the health and safety of their team. Free testing will continue to be available weekly to all students, on a voluntary basis. 

Reminders

As a reminder, if you or your child are made aware that you were exposed to COVID-19, outside of the school setting and are not vaccinated, please begin to quarantine as soon as possible. This includes quarantining following a COVID-19 test until you receive your results.  The district will continue to administer and accept PCR tests only. The Rapid test will not be accepted.

UNVACCINATED SIBLINGS/SPOUSES/LIVE-INS, ETC. OF SYMPTOMATIC STUDENTS AND STAFF NEED TO BE SENT HOME OR STAY HOME UNTIL THE DISTRICT RECEIVES A NEGATIVE PCR TEST RESULT. 

If you or your child should develop any symptoms such as fever (100◦F) or chills, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms including fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea, please seek medical attention. DO NOT REPORT TO SCHOOL. The State of New Jersey website includes a symptom checker and testing sites: https://covid19.nj.gov/.When you or your child are feeling unwell, you must stay home! 

As always, please continue to wear face masks, socially distance, and use hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing. This will mitigate the risk of COVID 19 spread, allow us to continue in-person operations, and plan for the best structure of educational services to minimize risk to staff and students.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Health Department at 973.284.4976.