SDOC Updated COVID-19 Guidelines
Isolation & Quarantine times shortened based on DHEC & CDC recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and SC DHEC have issued new guidance that reduces COVID-19 isolation and quarantine length. The School District of Oconee County has instituted these changes in our COVID-19 Guidelines available on our website.
For students who test positive for COVID-19, the isolation period has been reduced from 10 days to 5 days, if there are no symptoms or symptoms have improved. Per DHEC requirements, students should wear a mask for days 6 through 10 when they return to school. In addition, students must provide a parent note stating that symptoms have improved and the student has been fever-free for at least 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medication). Students who are still experiencing symptoms after isolating for the 5 days should remain at home until symptoms resolve and notify the school nurse.
For students who are exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, the minimum quarantine period has been reduced to 5 days. If a student chooses to provide one of the following items, they may exempt the quarantine period:
- Proof of a positive COVID-19 result within 90-days of being exposed
- Proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination series (as recommended by DHEC)
- Proof of positive antibodies collected within the prior 14 days of being exposed
Quarantine can end after Day 5 if a viral test is negative AND if no symptoms were present during the quarantine period. The viral test (PCR or antigen test) must be collected no sooner than Day 4. At-home tests will not be accepted. Per DHEC and the SC Department of Education, a mask should be worn by exposed students upon their return to school through Day 10. DHEC recommends exposed students get tested on Day 5 as well.
Questions regarding isolation/quarantine for a student should be directed to the school nurse.