• IDPH COVID-19 School Guidance

    Summary of the updated isolation period for those Testing Positive for COVID-19 (updated 1/12/22)

    • Staff or students who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, are required to isolate for 5 days after onset of symptoms, or 5 days from specimen collection date if no symptoms are present.
    • Staff or students who test positive for COVID-19 and have no symptoms or their symptoms are resolving can be released from isolation after 5 days. To calculate the 5- day isolation period, day 0 is the first day of symptoms or specimen collection date if asymptomatic. If they continue to have a fever or other symptoms that have not improved after 5 days of isolation, they should wait to end isolation until they are fever-free for 24 hours and their other symptoms have improved.
    • Schools should ensure that staff or students who test positive for COVID-19 also do the following:
      • Continue to wear a well-fitted mask around others (including at home) for 5 additional days after release from isolation. If unable to wear a mask when around others, the case should continue to isolate for a total of 10 days.
      • If masks need to be removed (e.g., for lunch), ensure 6 feet of physical distancing until 10 days after symptom onset or positive test.

    Summary of the updated isolation period for Close Contacts to someone with COVID-19 (updated 1/12/22)

    • Ages 18 or older and have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters* and additional primary shots for some immunocompromised people.  
    • Ages 5-17 years and completed the primary series* of COVID-19 vaccines.
    • Confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days (you tested positive using a viral test).

    Quarantine not required 

    Wear a mask around others for 10 days

    Testing on Day 5 is available at school upon request

    If a person develops symptoms, they should immediately isolate until a negative test confirms symptoms are not caused by COVID-19.
    • Ages 18 or older and completed the primary series of recommended vaccines, but have not received a recommended booster shot when eligible.
    • Received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine (completing the primary series) over 2 months ago and have not received a recommended booster shot.
    • Unvaccinated or have not completed a primary vaccine series. 

    Stay home and mask around others for 5 days. After that, continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days

    Testing on Day 6 or upon return available at school upon request

    If a person develops symptoms, they should immediately isolate until a negative test confirms symptoms are not caused by COVID-19.

     

     The current list of COVID-19 symptoms: 

    Fever (100.4°F or higher)
    New onset of moderate to severe headache
    Shortness of breath
    New cough
    Sore throat
    Vomiting
    Diarrhea
    New loss of sense of taste or smell
    Fatigue from unknown cause
    Muscle or body aches from unknown cause

    If you exhibit any of these symptoms, DO NOT REPORT TO SCHOOL/WORK

PCR Testing Required

  • The District has been notified by the Cook County Health Department that due to community transmission levels, all students and school personnel who are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms will be required to either remain out of school/work and quarantine for the corresponding days (listed above) or provide documentation of a negative COVID-19 PCR test in order to return earlier.

International Travel Guidance

  • After Arrival in the United States

    You might have been exposed to COVID-19 during your travels. Even if you do not have any symptoms and feel well, you can still be infected and spread the virus to others. For this reason, the CDC recommends the following:

    ALL TRAVELERS:

    • Get tested with a COVID-19 viral test 3-5 days after travel.
    • Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms (listed above); isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
    • Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after travel.

    If you are NOT Full Vaccinated: (In addition to the testing recommendations above)

    • Stay home and self-quarantine for a full 5 days after travel.

Helpful Links

  • Wearing Masks 

    Any staff or student that is attending school must wear a mask on the bus as well as within each District 135 building. Please click here to view further information about how to wear masks correctly.
How to Wear Mask