The California Department of Public Health has updated its protocols for people who test positive for COVID-19, including students and staff in schools. As it has throughout the pandemic, AUSD will align its COVID protocols with those of the state.

Under the old protocols, students and staff had to isolate for five days if they tested positive and could then return when) their symptoms were improving; and b) they had been fever free for at least 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medication).

Under the new protocols, students who test positive and have symptoms stay home only until their symptoms are improving and they have been fever free for at least 24 hours. That is, there is no mandated isolation period.  Students who test positive but have no symptoms do not have to isolate.

Both symptomatic and asymptomatic people who test positive should mask for ten days when they are around other people.

Staff who test positive should contact Humera Khalil or Tonya Morgan for the most up-to-date instructions.

The new changes reflect public health experts’ beliefs that the general population has developed greater immunity to the virus (due to vaccinations and natural infection), the virus is having a diminishing impact, and it can be treated by readily available medications.

AUSD continues to update its COVID-19 Dashboard at least once a week so that the community can monitor the number of reported cases we have across our schools.