Cobb Schools updates COVID-19 protocols with changes to mask recommendation, quarantine

Aug. 4—Cobb Schools officials have updated the district's COVID-19 protocols, including by saying they "strongly encourage" mask wearing and allowing asymptomatic students and staff identified as "close contacts" to return to school the next day, as long as they wear masks for 10 days.

The changes are as follows:

Under the district's updated guidance, face coverings remain optional for students and staff, except in certain situations under the new school district protocol.

The "quarantine" section of the updated guidance says that any student or staff member identified as having been a "close contact" with a positive case of the virus, but who is asymptomatic, will be able to "return to class or work the next day," so long as they remain asymptomatic and wear a mask while on school district property for 10 days after exposure.

Students or staff who are identified as a close contact and are symptomatic must follow directions contained in the close contact letter. Close contact letters often lay out how long the person must stay at home and when they can return to school, often about two weeks after exposure.

Previously, the district's quarantine guidance said any "close contact" was required to quarantine according to state public health guidance.

Social distancing guidance has also been updated. The district now states there will be limits on large group gatherings "when appropriate and feasible." The new guidance is added to the existing requirement that people distance "when appropriate and feasible."

Under "cleaning and sanitizing," the district has added "encourage frequent hand-washing" to a list that includes hand sanitizer being provided in classrooms, common areas and on school buses; daily cleaning of high-touch surfaces; and school buses being disinfected after morning and afternoon routes.

Stricken from the "communication" section is a line in the previous guidance that stated, "The parent or guardian will receive email notification if a positive COVID-19 case is identified in their student's classroom, school bus, or athletic team."

A new "volunteer" portion of the guidance includes guidelines for both volunteers and parents in certain situations.

Non-staff volunteers will be limited in entrance in the school and in close contact with students. At the discretion of the principal, volunteers are allowed to enter the school and work in "an isolated location away from students and staff."

Volunteers are still welcome on campus for afterschool activities and special school events.

Until further notice, no parents or guardians are allowed to eat lunch with their child in the school cafeteria.

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