COVID19 Protocols Update 3/10
Posted on 03/10/2022

Dear OCSD Community,

As you are aware, the statewide universal mask mandate for schools was lifted as of March 2, 2022. This means that most students, staff, and school visitors are no longer required to wear a mask in our school buildings or school buses. Of course, mask wearing continues to be optional for everyone. 

As you also know, health and safety guidance from the state and local health departments related to COVID-19 continues to evolve. While the latest state guidance removes the mask requirement, the following health and safety protocols remain in place:

 

Regardless of vaccination status, if a student tests positive for COVID-19 they must isolate for a full five days. Students may return to school after day five if they are asymptomatic or if symptoms are resolving. For days 6-10 following a positive test, students are required to wear a mask in school, including on the school bus. 

 

State and local health officials continue to recommend testing for COVID-19 following a possible exposure. COVID-19 tests are available at school to anyone who wants one. If you need a test, please contact your child’s school or the district office.

 

Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home from school, regardless of vaccination status or recent infection, until tested and/or isolate for five days. If your student has symptoms and you aren’t sure what to do, or if you need a COVID-19 test kit, please contact your child’s school nurse. 

 

While embracing this new sense of normalcy, we will remain committed to keeping our students in school, while providing a safe learning environment for all. We will continue to follow a tiered mitigation strategy to prevent the spread of illness in our schools and on our buses and will continue our due diligence in regard to notifying impacted staff and families if we learn about a positive case. We will continue to provide the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19 testing, quarantine, and isolation. 

 

As always, we remain in close contact with state and local health officials and are committed to providing staff and families with clear, updated information on the latest health and safety guidance. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work to keep our students and staff healthy, and our students in school. If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 testing or other health and safety protocols, please do not hesitate to contact your school nurse.


Matthew T. Carpenter 
Superintendent of Schools