Frequently asked COVID questions

Autumn Zielke

Now that we are back to in-person school, there are some questions about the COVID guidelines. This article will answer some frequently asked questions and hopefully get rid of some of the confusion and chaos. They are mainly about what you do when you get exposed to COVID and what you need to do to come back to school.

What happens when a student or staff is exposed to COVID? 

When you are exposed to COVID at school, you have two choices. You can quarantine at home for 10 days or wear a mask to school for 10 days. On the 7th day of both choices, you can get tested for COVID. If the test is negative you can come back to school or stop wearing a mask. If you have been exposed you can continue to attend if any of the following apply: you are fully vaccinated and it has been 2 weeks since your second dose, you and the person exposed were both wearing masks, or you have tested positive for COVID, but no longer have any symptoms. If you are exposed at home or anywhere else you can quarantine for 10 days at home or get tested on the 7th day and return to school if the test is negative and you and the people in your house have no symptoms.

What happens if an athlete or coach is exposed to COVID at a school athletic event?

If you are an athlete and you get exposed you quarantine for 10 days at home. If you are a coach and you get exposed you follow the directions listed above. Athletes can get tested on the 7th day and return to school if the test is negative. If you are exposed at an athletic event you can continue to participate, if any of the following apply: you are fully vaccinated and it has been 2 weeks since your second dose or you have tested positive in the last 90 days, but no longer have any symptoms. If you are exposed at home or anywhere else you can quarantine at home for 10 days or get tested on the 7th day and return to school if you and the people in your house have no symptoms. 

Will I be notified if I am exposed to COVID in one of my classes?

Yes, you will be emailed about a possible exposure. If you were directly exposed you will receive a separate email with different information. The possible exposure will have a list of classes that you could have been exposed in. However, remember that it’s not possible for the school to track every place you may have been exposed. Continue to exercise caution, and don’t rely completely on these emails.

Do I need a negative COVID test to return to school?

In an email from Sandra Buendia, it says that to return to school you only need a negative test if you have tested positive. Parents do not have to provide proof of a negative COVID test or COVID vaccination in order for a student to come back to school.