On December 2, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new options for public health authorities to consider for establishing quarantine timeframes for close contacts with COVID-19. Jo Daviess County Health Department has worked with the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) to issue new guidance to schools in our region. Therefore, the following change regarding the quarantine time will be in effect starting with any close contacts starting Wednesday, December 9:

• Quarantine can end after Day 10 without testing and if no symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring.

This reduces the quarantine time from 14 days to 10 days. The CDC had additionally issued guidance that would allow for the quarantine to end after Day 7 with specific testing. However, after discussion with the Jo Daviess County Health Department and limitations of the required type of testing, we have only gained the approval of the reduction from 14 to 10 days at this time. Daily monitoring is still required through this quarantine period. Any close contacts prior to December 9, 2020 must still be symptom free for 14 days as the previous guidance had suggested.

In addition to the above criteria, individuals must continue to still meet the additional criteria: (a) correct and consistent mask use (including within homes), (b) social distancing, (c) hand and cough hygiene, (d) environmental cleaning and disinfection, (e) avoid crowds, (f) ensuring adequate indoor ventilation, (g) monitoring symptoms of COVID-19 illness, and (h) minimizing contact with persons at increased risk for severe illness, including vulnerable and congregate populations. Additionally, please complete the daily COVID certification survey on our website to ensure no one is entering the building exhibiting any COVID symptoms.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation of Warren Schools. These unprecedented times have been challenging for all of us. Your support and flexibility have been instrumental in helping us keep our community safe and healthy, while educating all of our students .