DCPS to follow new CDC quarantining guidelines

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval County Public Schools will now start implementing new guidance from the CDC to reduce the quarantine period for asymptomatic close contacts from a quarantine period of 14 days down to 10 days.

This means that students and staff that show no symptoms of COVID-19, and were only a close contact of someone who did test positive, will be returning to school after 10 days of quarantining and will be required to wear a face mask at all times. Because face coverings cannot be worn while participating in athletics, students will be held out of sports participation until the full 14-day period has concluded.

Those who show symptoms and who have tested positive for the coronavirus will still follow the same guidelines set at the beginning of the year.

According to Duval County Public Schools, almost 5,800 students and staff have been quarantined as a result of 607 positive COVID-19 cases so far this year.

“When the CDC provides an option for students and staff to safely return to school four days earlier, we need to take that option,” said Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene. “I am pleased that we are on the same page with the Florida Department of Health – Duval in working to maximize learning time for students while still adhering to CDC guidance.”

Cox Media Group