Quarantine Periods Shortened Starting 1/5/2021

On Wednesday, December 2, the CDC gave local public health authorities options to shorten their quarantine guidelines. The TEA has updated their guidance to include this recommendation. At this time, our local health officials at Austin Public Health have not yet adopted these options. Headwaters School will adopt these shortened quarantine options with the support of the Health Advisory Group and will start this policy when we return from Winter Break on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. 

This means that we will shorten the time that a close contact is required to quarantine under two conditions. For those individuals who do not develop symptoms, quarantine can end:

• On day 10 if you choose not to get a COVID-19 test
• On day 7 after receiving a negative COVID-19 test result. Please note, the specimen may be collected and tested within 48 hours before the time of planned quarantine discontinuation (e.g., in anticipation of testing delays), but quarantine cannot be discontinued earlier than after Day 7.

After stopping quarantine, people should

• Watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure.
• If they have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact their local public health authority or healthcare provider.
• Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash their hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Please see the updated COVID-19 Addendum to read more.