Community Update 11/15/2021: Quarantine Guidelines & Survey

November 15, 2021

 

Dear Springfield Schools Community,
 

We hope you had a wonderful weekend! The purpose of this letter is to provide an update regarding our COVID protocols and share information related to COVID-19 vaccinations.

We continue to work with our local health department officials, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Health, to ensure the safety of our school community. As you may be aware, there has been a small increase in the number of positive cases in our community, consistent with the change in weather patterns, increased indoor activities, and onset of the cold and flu season.  We encourage families to continue to follow the best practices related to minimizing the chances of infection, including the wearing of face masks and following social distance protocols.

Vaccination Information

On November 3, 2021, children ages 5-11 were added to the group of individuals eligible to receive the Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccination.  Information about this effort can be found here: https://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/documents/topics/NCOV/covid19_vax_kids.pdf

We are working with our local health officials to provide an onsite vaccination opportunity, and are asking that families participate in this survey.

Information for Springfield residents interested in vaccinations can be found here:

• The State of New Jersey offers a vaccine finder tool here: https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/finder
• J&J, Moderna, and Pfizer vaccines are available at Bloomfield Health Department (1 Municipal Plaza, Bloomfield) by appointment and additional clinics will be scheduled for the Springfield community.  To schedule an appointment, please call 973-680-4058.
• Union County residents may use the following site to schedule vaccinations: https://ucnjvaccine.org

COVID-19 Exposure, Travel, Close Contacts & Quarantines

We are also aware that the 14-day quarantine period for close contacts[1] may pose a hardship to our students and families, and we have worked with our health officials to identify the best practices to support our families and students.  Throughout the year we have worked to minimize in-school contacts.  In addition, we have consulted regularly with the local health department to make the best decisions using the national and regional data available. 

In consultation with our health officials, please note the following protocols related to quarantines, close contacts, travel, and vaccination status:
 

• Individuals that are fully vaccinated and/or who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days are not required to quarantine following exposure or travel.  Individuals that are vaccinated are encouraged to monitor for symptoms, as they may indicate a breakthrough case.
   
• Our updated protocols are also shifting.  Individuals that are not fully vaccinated, but who are identified as a close contact, will be excluded from school for 7 or 10 days.  This is a shift from our prior practice of 14 days, and we expect it will help to maintain the health and safety of our community, while also providing the critical access to in-person education we know our students need.
  • A student identified as a “close contact” that remains asymptomatic after exposure, and who receives a negative PCR test on day 5,6, or 7, following the exposure, may return to school on the 8^th day following exposure.
    • The results of the PCR test must be submitted to the school nurse prior to the return.
  • A student that remains asymptomatic after exposure, but does not participate in a PCR test, may return to school after the 10^th day following exposure.
     
• Travel Guidance
  • Fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals traveling from any domestic US state, do not need to quarantine and do not need to be tested.
  • Fully vaccinated children traveling from any international location do not need to quarantine, but it is recommended that they test 3-5 days after travel.
  • Unvaccinated individuals traveling from any international location are required to quarantine for 7 days.
    • A PCR test is required 3-5 days after international travel
    • If the test is negative, the child can return to school after day 7.
    • If the child is not tested upon return, they must quarantine for a total of 10 days.

If you are aware that your child has been exposed to a positive COVID-19 case, please call your medical provider and notify your child’s school nurse for further direction before sending them to school.

Any fully vaccinated children do not need to quarantine if exposed to a positive case of COVID-19 and remain asymptomatic. However, they should monitor for symptoms. Please refer to the CDC COVID-19 symptom website. If COVID like symptoms occur, keep your child home, notify your medical provider and the school nurse for further guidance.

Please contact our health offices should you require further assistance or have additional questions. Health Office Link.