Vestavia School System Addresses CDC's New Quarantine Guidelines

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — The Centers for Disease Control recently updated its guidelines for individuals who must quarantine as a result of exposure to COVID-19, which Vestavia Hills superintendent Todd Freeman says will change the way the school system approaches positive COVID-19 tests.

While the CDC continues to endorse a 14-day quarantine as the best course of action, they are now allowing individuals to quarantine for shorter periods of time provided they remain symptom-free for the full duration of the quarantine. However, schools in Alabama likely will not adjust their current quarantine rules.

"We have received many questions about this new guidance and how it could impact our school health and wellness procedures," Freeman said. "We have been in communication with local public health officials this week to determine if and when to adjust those procedures."

Freeman said that since the Alabama Department of Public Health has the authority to set quarantine guidelines for the entire state, VHCS will not adjust its quarantine procedures for students and staff unless and until ADPH directs them to do so.

"If and when these new quarantine guidelines are implemented, it will be crucial that students, staff, and families continue to follow the 4Habits 4Health," Freeman said. "A shorter quarantine does not mean we can let our guard down with the healthy practices that have helped to minimize the impact of COVID-19 in our schools. Students and staff will still be expected to follow any and all guidelines from state and local public health officials."