Isolation and quarantine protocols are determined by Guilford County Public Health in accordance with recommendations from the NCDHHS and the CDC.

• Per the new guidance, which becomes effective in Guilford County on Monday, February 21, isolation periods are recommended only for those who test positive for COVID-19 or who have symptoms. Individuals who become ill or who test positive should isolate for 5 days from the date a positive test result was received, the onset of symptoms or a possible exposure to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
• Public health recommends masking at home and in the community for individuals who test positively with COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone who tests positive, regardless of vaccination status for a total of 10 days following the onset of symptoms or the possible exposure.

Positive for or having symptoms of COVID-19 (Isolation) – Regardless of Vaccination Status 

• Stay home for 5 days
• After 5 days if asymptomatic or symptoms are resolving, they can leave isolation. After the isolation period, a mask should be worn when around others at home and in the community for 5 additional days.
• Testing to return is not needed

Close Contact with Person with Positive Test for COVID-19 

• No quarantine period is required
• Test on day 5
• Masks should be worn when around others at home and in the community for 10 days in addition to masks being required at all times when in GCS buildings.

For additional details, please see the current edition of the Strong Schools NC: Public Health Toolkit (K-12).

Per Guilford County Public Health, as of January 3, 2022, isolation is required for 5 days from the date a positive test result was received, the onset of symptoms or a possible exposure to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19. If testing is completed, students and staff may return to school if testing was negative and an alternate diagnosis provided by a healthcare provider explains the symptoms. If they have experienced symptoms of illness, students and staff can return to school 5 days after exposure or the onset of symptoms and when they have been symptom and fever free for at least 24 hours without using fever reducing medications.

See also the information in the Strong Schools NC: Public Health Toolkit (K-12) regarding isolation and quarantine for suspected, presumed  or confirmed cases of COVID-19. For helpful information on children and COVID-19, visit the NCDHHS website.

Your child may attend school as long as they do not get sick. They should follow the isolation protocols if they do become ill. For additional details, please see the current edition of the Strong Schools NC: Public Health Toolkit (K-12).

Close Contact with Person with Positive Test for COVID-19 

• No quarantine period is required
• Test on day 5
• Masks should be worn when around others at home and in the community for 10 days.

Students who are isolated should still have access to instruction. The impact of the isolation will inform the instructional delivery method.

For example, if a small number of students in a class are isolated, their assignments should be posted in Canvas with opportunities to check in and receive feedback from their teacher. If a larger number of students is isolated, teachers should use SWIVL devices to ensure all students are receiving instruction.

If an entire class or section is isolated, teachers (or substitutes) should follow their daily schedule by delivering instruction remotely with built-in opportunities for feedback and breaks.

District curriculum resources have digital licenses and can be embedded into Canvas courses. Ongoing training and integration support for teachers will be provided by the district’s Blended Learning department.