- Kalamazoo Public Schools
- COVID-19 FAQ's
-
Close contacts of a COVID-19 case who do not meet the criteria above need to quarantine or may test to stay and mask to stay. Exposed individuals may:
Home quarantine for days 1-5, if feasible test on day 5.
“Test to Stay”* for days 1-5; OR
Home quarantine for days 1-10
Students, teachers & staff should monitor for symptoms throughout the quarantine period (days 1 through 10). Day “0” is the day of last close contact with any COVID-19 positive student, teacher, or staff. If symptoms develop, get tested. -
Close contacts of a COVID-19 case do not need to quarantine at home if they:
Had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days
Are up to date on all recommended COVID-19 vaccines for which they are eligible
These contacts should still conduct symptom monitoring for 10 days from the date of last exposure. -
Overview of COVID-19 Isolation Guidance for K-12 Schools
Students, teachers & staff who test positive for COVID-19 and/or display COVID-19 symptoms should isolate regardless of vaccination status:
If asymptomatic, monitor for symptoms for days 0 – 10; and
Isolate at home for days 0 – 5 (day “0” is day symptoms begin or day test was taken for those without symptoms); and
If symptoms have improved or no symptoms developed, return to school, while wearing a well-fitted mask, for days 6 -10; or
Stay home for days 0 - 10.
If you have a fever, stay home until you are fever-free for a period of 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. -
When should I quarantine?
You quarantine when you might have been exposed to COVID-19. This is because you might become infected with COVID-19 and could spread COVID-19 to others.
-
When should I isolate?
You isolate when you are already infected with COVID-19 and have tested positive, even if you do not have symptoms. Isolation is used to separate people who are infected with
COVID-19 from those who are not infected. -
When should I test-to-stay?
HCS recommends Test to Stay beginning on day 2 following exposure, if possible, and continue on day 4 and day 6 (every other day). There is some preliminary evidence that
the incubation period (time to infection after exposure) of the Omicron variant is shorter.Those who are exposed, not up to date on vaccines, and do not elect a Test to Stay option may test on day 5 or day 6 and return on day 6 if negative (standardization for 1st
and 2nd test dates on MDHHS infographic) -
What is considered "Up-to-Date" for the COVID vaccine?
Note that MDHHS guidance includes a Pfizer booster vaccination for those 12-17 years 5 months after completion of the Pfizer primary series when defining what qualifies as up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines; i.e., if eligible and not boosted, and exposure occurs, the individual should follow “Not Up to Date on Vaccines” options in the MDHHS infographic
Note that MDHHS guidance includes a booster vaccination if eligible for those aged 18 years or older when defining what qualifies as up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines; i.e., if
eligible and not boosted, and exposure occurs, the individual should follow “Not Up to Date on Vaccines” options in the MDHHS infographic -
How long will the KPS mask mandate be in place?
In April 2021, KPS committed to mask wearing for everyone in all district buildings and on district buses until at least the end of first trimester. The mask mandate was extended through the end of the second trimester. This mandate will be re-evaluated in February to see if it will stay in place through the end of the school year. Masks should be well-fitting.
-
Are masks required on buses?
Students are assigned to seats on buses when possible. Bus drivers have a cleaning protocol to disinfect buses between routes and other times when possible.
In the morning, students who board the bus and refuse to wear a mask should be offered a mask once and if they continue to refuse they should sit in a single seat at the front of the bus. The principal will set up a meeting with the student and his or her parent. The student will be prohibited from riding the bus until they agree to comply with masking protocols. At dismissal, students should leave the building wearing a mask before they board the bus home. Young students who aren’t picked up at their bus stop will be returned to the school building they attend to reduce exposure. -
Who can visit schools?
Volunteers, outside agencies, and vendors that are in the building working with students are expected to confirm they have been vaccinated. They will sign in and out to provide ease of contact tracing. Only essential visitors with an appointment will be allowed in school buildings. If KPS requires a background check for services, then proof of vaccination is required.
Limit and monitor the number of visitors in KPS schools and require proof of vaccination and masking for all people visiting school buildings.
-
Is there a limit on the number of people allowed at events?
Events that include attendees outside of KPS students or staff will be limited to fewer than 100 people for the month of January.
-
Have sports, plays and other events been canceled for the month of January?
Events that include attendees outside of KPS students or staff will be limited to less than 100 people for the month of January. Schools will be making decisions about scheduled events. Some events may be postponed or held remotely, while others will continue with limited capacity. High school athletic events will not be allowing spectators during the month of January. The district will revisit this decision for February.
-
Does KPS practice social distancing?
To the extent possible. When appropriate instructionally, PK-5th grade students will remain with a pod of students all day. This pod is typically a homeroom. If students from homerooms are commingled this will be documented for contact tracing purposes. Pods or homerooms may travel between teachers. Seating charts will be used to facilitate contact tracing and reduce exposure.
-
When should I stay home from work or school?
Students, teachers, and staff should stay home when they have signs of any infectious illness and be referred to their healthcare provider for testing and care. Each morning parents are expected to screen their children for illness. Remember, safety begins at home. Students and staff who are experiencing the following symptoms are required to stay home: Cough, temperature of 100.4° or higher, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. If an unvaccinated child is exposed at home, they must quarantine before returning to school.
-
How do you report a positive COVID test?
In the event of a positive COVID-19 case in a school setting, it is important to determine the direct close contacts and the date of the onset of symptoms. Please call your child’s shcool and have them complete the positive covid form. Consultation with the health department is required.