Updated Public Health Guidance

May 5, 2021

Yesterday afternoon, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) released updated public health guidance related to quarantining, outdoor mask-wearing, and gatherings.

QUARANTINE PERIOD REDUCED TO 10 DAYS

Beginning today (Wednesday, May 5), the quarantine period for anyone exposed to a positive COVID-19 individual has been reduced by the Oakland County Health Division from 14 days to 10 days. Anyone who is a close contact (within six feet for a cumulative period of 15 minutes or more, with or without a mask) will now quarantine at home for 10 days and may return to school on the 11th day, as long as he or she is fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms (if any) are improving. Close contacts should continue to monitor for symptoms for the full 14 days. Isolation of positive cases remains at 10 days.

Exemptions to quarantine include:

Anyone who has tested positive (PCR) for COVID-19 in the last 90 days. A copy of the PCR test result must be provided to the school.
Anyone who has received the full dose requirements of the COVID vaccine and is two weeks past their last dose. Documentation must be provided to be exempt from quarantine.
Please note that anyone who meets the above criteria for exemption but who develops COVID symptoms needs to stay home for 10 days or test.

Students who are currently in quarantine (and are not COVID positive or exhibiting symptoms of COVID) may return to school four days before the date you were originally given by your child’s school.

If the student was set to resume activities on...	And the student is healthy, he/she may now return to school and school activities on...
May 10, 2021 or before	May 6, 2021
May 11, 2021	May 7, 2021
May 12, 2021	May 10, 2021 (quarantine period now ends May 8)
May 13, 2021	May 10, 2021 (quarantine period now ends May 9)
May 14, 2021	May 10, 2021
May 15, 2021	May 11, 2021
May 16, 2021	May 12, 2021
May 17, 2021	May 13, 2021
May 18, 2021	May 14, 2021

If your child is currently quarantined (not isolating due to a positive COVID test), and you have any questions about their return date, please contact feedback@clarkston.k12.mi.us.

MASKS NOT REQUIRED DURING SOME OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Effective immediately, students are no longer required by the district to wear masks during outdoor activities such as recess, when 100 or fewer people are present. Students will still be cohorted with their classes and socially distanced to the greatest extent possible when outside and may choose to continue to wear a mask outdoors if they prefer.

All Clarkston Community Schools athletic participants are still required to wear a mask during activities as stated by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). However, masks are no longer required for socially distanced spectators when attending baseball, softball, tennis, and golf contests. Further guidance pertaining to athletics will be shared in a follow-up communication from our Athletics Department.

About Clarkston Community Schools: Clarkston is a highly regarded school district with an enrollment of nearly 7,100 students. We have seven elementary schools (K-5), one middle school serving grades 6-7, one junior high for grades 8-9, and Clarkston High School, which serves students in grades 10-12. We also have a virtual academy, an Early Childhood Center serving children ages 3-5, and an alternative high school/community education facility. Clarkston Community Schools students are well-prepared for a future that excites them, and believe that they can achieve their dreams. The mission of Clarkston Community Schools is to create a learning environment where students, staff, and families are challenged, healthy, engaged, safe, and supported.

Read more Clarkston Community Schools News at www.clarkston.k12.mi.us/news.

Questions or Feedback? Email feedback@clarkston.k12.mi.us

Media Contact: Mary Ellen Rowe, Director of Marketing and Community Relations (248) 623-5460.