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COVID Info

Updated March 12, 2024

Dear OUSD Community,

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently updated their COVID-19 Guidance regarding Isolation and Testing. The updated guidance moves towards a more symptom-based approach to COVID-19, similar to guidance for other illnesses. Most important to note, the new guidance removes the recommendation for a 5-day isolation period following a COVID-19 positive test.

As always, we continue to follow the state and county public health guidance regarding COVID-19. Updated OUSD guidelines are as follows:

Changes to Isolation Protocols After Testing Positive

  • OUSD will no longer issue COVID-19 Isolation notifications that provide the first possible date staff or students can return to school after testing positive for COVID-19. Instead, please use these updated CDPH isolation protocols.

  • After Testing Positive for COVID-19 AND Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms: Stay home if you have COVID-19 symptoms until you have not had a fever for 24 hours without using fever reducing medication AND other COVID-19 symptoms are mild and improving. 

    • Mask* when you are around other people indoors for the 10 days after you become sick or test positive. 

    • CDPH recommends that, if you have symptoms, and particularly if you are at higher risk for severe COVID-19, you speak with a healthcare provider as soon as you test positive. You may be eligible for specific treatments for COVID-19. Call CDPH at 1-833-422-4255 if you are unable to contact a healthcare provider, or use the treatment options to find one.

  • After Testing Positive for COVID-19 AND Not Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms: Staff or students who test positive for COVID-19 but do not have symptoms can continue to come to work/school, following these CDPH recommendations:

    • Avoid contact with people at higher-risk for severe COVID-19 for 10 days.** Higher-risk individuals include the elderly, those who live in communal care facilities, and those who have immunocompromising conditions that put them at higher risk for serious illness.

    • Mask* when you are around other people indoors for the 10 days after you test positive.

*Students may remove their mask sooner than the 10 day mark if they have two sequential negative tests at least one day apart.
**Day 0 is symptom onset date or positive test date, if no symptoms.

REPORTING CASES TO OUSD: Staff and families should continue to report all positive cases. Please complete the OUSD COVID-19 Case Reporting Form. 

STUDENT ABSENCE REPORTING: Parents/caregivers are asked to report any COVID-19-related absences by following their school’s standard absence protocols. 

Please note that the District continues to make tests, masks, and air purifiers available to our school sites, as needed. Thank you for following these guidelines to keep yourselves, your loved ones, and our community safe during these winter months.

Sincerely,

OUSD COVID Response Team