From The Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) released its newly revised toolkit for schools on Monday, Aug. 2, 2021.
State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said it is important for schools to ensure education while observing the safest possible environment for students.
“For those who are eligible, vaccination remains our most potent strategy for preventing disease among students, faculty and staff, and vaccination also eliminates the need for quarantine among many of the close contacts in our schools,” Harris said. “Other mitigation strategies, such as face coverings, distancing, and hygiene measures are also important, especially in those communities that are experiencing high levels of COVID-19 transmission.”
The guidance and recommendations from the state are based on the latest information released by the CDC.
The ADPH recommends universal masking for students, teachers, staff, and visitors, regardless of their vaccination status. The guidance also asks school officials to require social distancing of three to six feet, depending on the masking policy of the school. Regardless of the school policy, which each school system will have to create on its own, the ADPH said it recommends masking on buses. If these measures are taken, along with students being vaccinated, the ADPH said there will be no need in quarantine for vaccinated students who have been exposed. However, unvaccinated students who have been exposed to a COVID-19 case should quarantine.
UAB is also working with the state to offer voluntary screen testing on students. Students who test positive for COVID-19, at any time during the school year, are recommended to stay home for 10 days following the onset of symptoms. It is also recommended that they would have to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to the classroom.
You can view the complete toolkit, which includes exemptions, below.
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