Effective immediately, the Sheridan School District will no longer conduct contact tracing nor require students and staff to quarantine just because they have had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19. Individuals who are symptomatic or who have received a positive COVID-19 test will still be required to stay home and follow established isolation guidelines and protocol for safe return to school and activities.
The district’s change in policy comes as a response to Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s announcement on Tuesday that the state would no longer require school districts to follow previous guidelines on contact tracing and quarantining of close contacts.
“We believe this strikes a good balance in protecting the health and safety of our students and staff, while also keeping as many students as possible in the classroom,” said Dr. Jerry Guess, interim superintendent of the Sheridan School District. “Sick students should stay home where they can receive the care they need and to keep from spreading the virus to others. Those who aren’t displaying symptoms and haven’t tested positive will now have the opportunity to be in school, where we know most students learn best.”
Students and staff members who are currently quarantined due to close contact but remain asymptomatic and have not tested positive may return to school immediately. Those individuals are being notified regarding their updated status.
Dr. Guess emphasized that students and staff who wish to wear a mask may continue to do so, and that children ages 5 and up are eligible to be vaccinated.
The Sheridan School District has a large supply of masks that are available to students upon request. Masks range from medical grade provided by the state to cloth masks donated or purchased by the district and will be available while supplies last. Students should contact their school nurse or front office if they need/want a mask.