COVID Q&A with Supt. Joe Nelson

Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Superintendent Joe Nelson says the district continues to learn and adapt as they offer education in the midst of COVID. He recently answered questions about new guidance that the state has provided regarding the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and requirements for contact tracing and quarantine.

What COVID related change was made to school guidance recently?

If a positive COVID case is identified and that person was wearing a mask and the students found to be close contacts were wearing masks, the close contacts will not have to quarantine at home. Those individuals will continue to be allowed to attend in school classes so long as they remain asymptomatic.

If my child was wearing something other than a mask will they be able to stay in school if found to be a close contact?

Masks must be worn appropriately by the positive case and the close contact. Those students choosing to wear shields or gaiters will have to quarantine for 14 days and do online learning.

Will parents still be notified if their child is considered a close contact?

Yes, contact tracing will be completed and the students identi5ied in that tracing will be called. At this time you will be notified if your student can stay in school or should remain home.

Does the positive case have to remain out of school?

Yes, the positive case will have to remain out of school and in quarantine for 10 days.

Are the students that are identified as close contacts required to be tested for COVID?

Testing will not be required but highly recommended by Public Health. That testing period will remain 5-7 days after the exposure occurred. If your student begins to show symptoms at any point after an exposure, testing is highly recommended at that time.

Since the guidance has changed, will CGD require everyone to wear a mask?

The CGD District will still require PPE for all staff and students. Either a mask or shield remains acceptable as PPE. However, if your child chooses to wear a shield or gaiter at any point, the 14-day quarantine period still stands.

Please have that conversation with your student at home to determine if you prefer one form of PPE over another.