The Pennsylvania Department of Health recently released an update to the recommended number of days that an individual in the general population should isolate and quarantine after receiving a confirmed, positive Covid-19 test.
According to the new guidelines individuals in the general population who test positive for Covid-19 must isolate for five days. If after five days, the patient has no symptoms or “has resolving symptoms, their isolation period is over; however, they should still wear a mask around others until Day 10.”
Please be aware that the language of the update says that additional guidance for “non-healthcare congregate settings” – which includes public schools like the CTC – is underway. We presume this to mean that different guidelines for school settings are still to come.
Other items in the update include:
- Persons who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and have received a booster vaccine or are within six months of receiving their primary vaccine series should wear a mask around others for 10 days, but do not need to quarantine.
- Persons who are unvaccinated or who are eligible (i.e., more than six months after primary vaccine series) but have not yet received a booster vaccine must quarantine at home for five days, and then wear a mask around others until Day 10.
- All exposed persons regardless of vaccination should test on Day 5 if possible.
- Heterologous dosing (e.g., mix-and-match vaccine products) may occur for the booster dose.
The full text of the current update from the PA Department of Health can be found here:
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/HAN/2021-PAHAN615-12-30-UPD-Iso%20and%20Quar_GenPop1.pdf
The CTC remains aware of all of the developments and requirements that come from the state and federal authorities. We review and evaluate each update as they are released and confer with our legal advisors. Our first consideration is to follow the recommendation from the authorities and do what is best for the health and safety of our students and staff. Close second to that is to ensure that we are also doing what is legally required.
We understand that scientifically-based recommendations can change over time due to changing circumstances or new information. That is how the Scientific Method works. We believe that the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, the PA Departments of Health and Education are all doing their utmost to figure out the best way to address a crisis that changes on a daily basis. We also appreciate your effort during the pandemic to follow basic infection prevention measures like handwashing, social distancing, and wearing face masks.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation. Be healthy and be safe.
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