Groton Dunstable Regional School District
3/26/2024
Update on COVID-19 Isolation Guidelines for Massachusetts Public School Districts
This letter is to inform you of MA DPH’s recent updates to guidance to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These updates align with current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Previous MA DPH Guidance: Individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 were required to isolate for at least 5 days, regardless of vaccination status.
Updated MA DPH Guidance (Effective Immediately):
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are no longer required to isolate for a specific number of days. Although not required, choosing to stay home for about 72 hours may help reduce the chances that you spread the virus to others.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
If you have symptoms of a respiratory virus: If you have new symptoms of a respiratory virus, such as a fever, sore throat, cough, or a runny or stuffy nose, you should stay home and stay away from others in your household and follow refer to the Additional Guidance to Follow When You Have Symptoms of a Respiratory Virus.
If you have tested positive for a respiratory virus but do not have any symptoms: You can still spread the virus. Take the following additional precautions to protect others from getting sick: Additional Precautions to Protect Others from Getting Sick
If you were exposed to someone with a respiratory virus illness: If you have been exposed to someone with a respiratory virus, you do not need to stay home as long as you remain asymptomatic. You may be able to spread a respiratory virus before developing symptoms. Take the following precautions to protect others, especially those with risk factors for severe illness: Exposure Precautions
Overview of what you can do to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
● Get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19
● Stay home when you are sick
● Use hand and respiratory hygiene
● Wear a mask around others
● Get tested for flu and COVID-19 so you can get treated
● Avoid crowded areas and maintain physical distance
● Increase fresh air
Please refer to the MA DPH website for additional information and the most up-to-date information: Recommendations to Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Illness.
Groton Dunstable Regional School District General Illness Guidelines:
● For a fever of 100 degrees or higher, do not return to school until “fever free” for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
● For vomiting and/or diarrhea, stay home for 24 hours from the last episode of vomiting and/or diarrhea.
We will continue to provide updates as needed. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your school nurse.