Now that children ages 5-11 are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine, there are changes in testing and quarantine protocols for these students.
An individual is considered fully vaccinated once they have received 2 doses of the vaccine and they are 14 days past the second dose. If a vaccinated individual is subsequently identified as a close contact, and is asymptomatic, they are exempt from the testing and quarantine protocols, including Test and Stay. A vaccinated individual who is identified as a close contact should monitor for symptoms of Covid for 14 days. If a vaccinated individual experiences Covid symptoms, they should isolate from others, inform their healthcare provider, and schedule a Covid test.
The CDC and the Chelmsford Board of Health, recommend the following people test for COVID:
- Individuals who experience symptoms of Covid-19 (regardless of vaccination status)
Fully vaccinated people, who are identified as a close contact, should test 5-7 days after their last exposure (recommended not required)
Unvaccinated individuals should test immediately (recommended not required). If the test result is negative, they should test on Day 5 after their last exposure or immediately with a PCR if symptoms develop.
Unvaccinated individuals must follow testing and quarantine protocols, including home quarantine (if exposed in the home or community setting) or may participate in Test and Stay (if exposed in the school setting and the individual meets the protocol requirements).
Please note, if a student is fully vaccinated, they are not eligible for Test and Stay. The Test and Stay protocol is intended for unvaccinated, asymptomatic individuals identified as a close contact to a positive case in the school setting. DESE has strict testing criteria for the Test and Stay protocol so that we are unable to test vaccinated individuals.
Please continue to follow our Covid-19 protocols, which includes completing wellness checks prior to coming into school, to not send your child to school if they are not feeling well, and to let us know if they are identified as a close contact outside of school.
We strongly recommend those eligible to be vaccinated!! Covid-19 vaccines have undergone, and will continue to undergo, intensive safety monitoring. Covid 19- vaccines are effective and can reduce the risk of getting and spreading the virus that cause Covid-19. There is strength in numbers! Getting the vaccine can protect families, communities, and our schools.
The collective health of our school community, and our community at large, relies on a collaborative partnership with our families. This partnership requires our families to follow the best practices and guidelines that we know will decrease the spread of the virus.
Peggy Gump, M.Ed BSN RN
Coordinator of Nursing Services
