Updated Public Health Guidance

Today the Oakland County Health Division released new school quarantine guidance that includes revised protocols for determining close contacts. The following changes are effective immediately. 

• A close contact is now defined as an individual who has been within three feet of a positive case for a cumulative period of 15 minutes or more, with or without a mask. Close contacts within three feet must quarantine in accordance with OCHD guidance. Others within six feet will also be notified and should monitor for symptoms but do not need to quarantine. These modified measures for determining quarantine after exposures only apply to the classroom/bus settings (not in a cafeteria or while eating, high-risk classes such as PE or band, during sports practice, etc.) and ONLY in classroom/bus settings where strict mitigation measures are implemented and enforced.
• Close contacts may now “test out” of quarantine with a negative COVID PCR test seven days or more after exposure. A copy of the negative test results must be provided to return to school.

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 as a result of being a close contact between three and six feet will be notified by the end of the day Friday, May 28 that they may return to school immediately (provided they are not COVID positive or exhibiting symptoms of COVID). If you have a quarantined student and are not notified, your student was identified as being within three feet of a positive individual and must complete their quarantine as scheduled.

We appreciate your patience and support. Should you have specific questions or feedback related to the Oakland County Health Division recommendations our district follows, please contact the Nurse on Call at 1-800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com.

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.