With upcoming school breaks, potential travel, and gatherings that may increase opportunities for the spread of viruses, we would like to remind everyone that the North Adams Public Schools follows the current CDC guidance regarding COVID-19.
The current CDC guidance recommends isolation for anyone who “is sick and suspects that [they] have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results.” The CDC recommends isolation for 5 days for anyone who tests positive for COVID-19.
Individuals who have tested positive but have no symptoms may end isolation after Day 5.
Individuals with symptoms whose symptoms are improving may end isolation after Day 5 if they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. If symptoms continue beyond Day 5, individuals may end isolation once they have been fever-free for 24 hours.
After ending isolation, CDC guidance indicates that individuals wear a mask in public or when in school through Day 10. This guidance is reflected in North Adams Public Schools handbooks which state, “A face covering that covers the nose and mouth must be worn by all individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, but are asymptomatic, in school buildings and on school transportation through day 10 from diagnosis.”
There is no CDC recommendation regarding masking or isolation for individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 but do not demonstrate any symptoms or have not tested positive.
For further information on COVID-19 isolation and precautions, please visit the CDC website at cdc.gov