Pendleton County Schools
Revised COVID Mask Guidance
Effective February 18, 2022
The levels of community transmission of COVID-19 are being monitored by the Pendleton County Schools daily, and the status on DHHR Map each day will determine the face covering practices for the following day, for all students, staff and visitors to our schools.
When the transmission level is ranked in the “substantial” (Orange) or “high” (Red) categories, masking will be required as outlined in our present guidelines. When the transmission level is ranked in the “low” (Green) or “moderate” (Yellow or Gold) categories, masks will be highly recommended indoors, but not required. (Grades PK-2 guidance will remain the same.) Masks are required on buses in accordance with CDC Guidelines.
When students or staff are exposed to COVID-19 without the universal mask policy in place.
- Testing is recommended but not required for unvaccinated students/staff on the date they have been identified as a close contact.
- Close contacts may continue in-person learning if they wear a well fitted mask at all times through day 10 after the exposure.
- If the student cannot comply with the mask guidelines, the parent can opt for a 10-day self-isolation.
When students or staff test positive:
- Students/Staff should report their positive test to the school nurse.
- Students/staff who test positive will be required to stay home for at least 5 days.
- Day 0 is the first day of symptoms or positive test.
- Students/Staff may return to school if they:
- Stayed home and isolated for 5 full days.
- Fever free for 24 hours (without the use of fever reducing medications).
- Symptoms are improving.
- Students who are severely ill or immunocompromised should stay home through day 10.
- Students/staff will take the following precautions when returning to school after completing their 5-day isolation. This includes:
- Wearing a well fitted mask for day 6-10.
- If a mask cannot be worn, they will be required to stay home through day 10.
- Students will not participate in unmasked extra-curricular activities while in isolation (Day 1-5).
- Students may return to extra-curricular activities during days 6-10 if they obtain a negative antigen test on day 5 or later.