Please note that due to recent changes to COVID-19 isolation guidelines issued by the CDC on March 1, 2024 we are updating our school protocol in cases of infection. Effective immediately, we will align our policies with these updated recommendations.
Previously, the CDC recommended a minimum isolation period of five days and advised wearing a face mask for 10 days or until testing negative.
The updated guidance provides practical recommendations to reduce the risk of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV. According to the updated
CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance, individuals who are sick due to respiratory illness, including COVID-19, should stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after:
- Their overall symptoms have improved, and
- They have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (e.g., Tylenol, Advil, Motrin).
Additional Recommendations
While mask-wearing and practicing good hygiene are always encouraged, particularly when individuals are sick or in close contact with others who are unwell, the
CDC’s Respiratory Guidance suggests the following precautions for
an additional five days:
- Individuals resuming normal activities (such as attending school or work) after recovering from a common respiratory illness like COVID-19, flu, or RSV are advised to continue masking, maintaining physical distancing, ensuring improved air quality, practicing good hygiene, and/or testing.
In short, there is no longer a set isolation period when an individual has been diagnosed with Covid or one of the other respiratory illnesses mentioned above.
Thank you for your attention to this important update. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the Health Team at
nurse@steiner.edu or (347) 289-7279.
