Quarantine Update 9-2-2021

Thank you for a great start to the school year. It is essential that the school corporation and the community continue to work together to address the ever-changing needs of our students. Throughout the COVID pandemic, Central Noble has worked hard to continue to address the academic, physical and social needs of the students. Throughout the process we have continually looked to improve the quality and effectiveness of everything we do. The support of parents and the community has been critical in this process. Your continued support will help us progress toward the end of this pandemic.

Through the diligent efforts of the nursing staff, administrators, teachers, and support staff, we have been able to provide inperson instruction to our students. While quarantines are difficult for parents and families, they have helped to reduce the spread of COVID within the school environment. To maintain a mask optional environment, contact tracing and quarantines are mandated at this time. Please be reminded that this is not something that the school staff wants to do. Please treat the staff with respect and allow them to work with you to get the students back into the school setting as quickly as possible.

Central Noble continues to evaluate the guidance and recommendation of the state and local health department to determine if changes in current protocol need to be implemented. In a recent memo from the Indiana State Department of Health, Dr. Box authorized the use of clinically administered rapid antigen tests (BINAXNow) to determine quarantine and return to school. This change now allows families 3 options for early return. Early return is not an option for students with a COVID positive patient in their household.

**Day 8 Return (Rapid Test) – This option is available for students who are asymptomatic and do not live in the same household as a COVID positive patient. The BINAXNow antigen test must be administered on day 7 or after in a clinical setting such as a testing site, pharmacy, doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. Home tests may not be used.

**Day 8 Return (PCR) – This option is available for all quarantined students that do not have a COVID Positive patient in the same household. The PCR test must be administered on day 5 or after. All symptomatic students will be required to receive a negative PCR test to return early.

**Day 11 Return (No test) – This option is available for all students who remain asymptomatic for the first 10 days of quarantine and do not live in the same household as a COVID Positive patient. No test is required to take advantage of this option. Symptomatic students will be required to receive a PCR test or quarantine for the full 14 days.

The early return options will help the students to be able to return to the classroom as soon as possible. Students returning early from quarantines are recommended to wear masks and maintain social distancing through day 14. As a precautionary measure, all students returning early will be required to complete a daily wellness check with the nursing staff through the duration of the quarantine period. The IHSAA will determine mandates and requirements for return to play protocol following quarantine.

Please continue to monitor your child’s health on a daily basis. If your child has COVID like symptoms, please keep them home. If you have questions about COVID protocols, please contact the administration or nursing staff.

Thank you for your continued support,

Troy Gaff
Superintendent