Sequoia Union High School District

Hello Sequoia Union High School District Community,

 

We would like to share some of the latest updates from the California Department of Public Health on COVID-19 isolation guidance that we are following at the District.

 

In early January, as we see multiple viruses circulating in communities this winter, CDPH recommends a broader approach to protect Californians from respiratory viruses than the prior COVID-19 specific guidance.

 

This update to the COVID-19 isolation guidance moves to a symptom-based exclusion approach. What this means is that if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should refrain from all school activities until symptoms are mild and improving. If you are not experiencing symptoms, you may continue to come to school.

 

Additionally, instead of staying home for a minimum of 5 days, individuals may return to school when they start to feel better, meaning that their symptoms are mild and improving, and they have not had a fever for a full day (24 hours) without the use of fever-reducing medication.

 

Masking recommendations have not changed. Whether asymptomatic or symptomatic, it is recommended to wear a mask for 10 days following a positive test result or the onset of symptoms.

 

SUHSD continues to follow our county health officials on this matter.

 

See below for a reference on what should be done in the event of a positive COVID-19 test or exposure to COVID-19 based on the latest guidance.

 

• Refrain from all school activities until
• At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications; and
• Other symptoms are mild and improving
• Students should wear a mask when they are around other people indoors for the 5 days after they become sick or test positive.
• Staff must wear a mask when they are around other people indoors for the 10 days after they become sick or test positive. 
• If you do not have symptoms, the automatic 5-day isolation period has been removed from guidance and you may attend all school activities
• If symptoms, other than fever, are not improving, continue to stay home until symptoms are improving

• May continue coming to school if NO symptoms regardless of vaccination status or type of exposure
• Get tested 3-5 days after date of last exposure OR sooner if experiencing symptoms, around individuals considered at HIGH-RISK
• Continue to monitor for symptoms and wear a well fitting mask at all times for at least 10 days following an exposure 
• If experiencing ANY symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and seek testing

Students - If you/your student will be absent from school for symptoms, we will clear the attendance accordingly. Please have your student check CANVAS for any of their work and have them check in with their teachers about being absent if they need to. 

Staff - please report your absence to your administrator/supervisor and follow all normal attendance reporting channels via Frontline/AESOP and fill out the following form: 2024-2025 COVID Staff Reporting

 

If you have any questions, please contact the SUHSD COVID-19 Response Team at covidresponse@seq.org.

Please use the links to the right to review important information and resources on the district's response to COVID-19.

COVID-19 antigen tests are available free of charge at each school site's health office.