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Information for Parents and the Community regarding COVID-19 in the Wyoming Valley West School District
March 1, 2024
The CDC disclosed that COVID will henceforth be classified alongside other respiratory illnesses. While the mandated isolation guideline has been lifted, individuals are advised to remain at home and avoid contact with others for at least 24 hours after both the resolution of fever and overall symptoms. Furthermore, it is recommended to adhere to five additional days of interventions, encompassing measures such as masking, testing, distancing, improved air quality, hygiene, and/or testing upon returning.
The updated Respiratory Virus Guidance recommends people with respiratory virus symptoms that are not better explained by another cause stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both resolution of fever AND overall symptom are getting better. This recommendation addresses the period of greatest infectiousness and highest viral load for most people, which is typically in the first few days of illness and when symptoms, including fever, are worst. This is similar to longstanding recommendations for other respiratory illnesses, including influenza.
A residual risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission remains, depending on the person and circumstances, after the period in which people are recommended to stay home and away from others. Five additional days of interventions (i.e., masking, testing, distancing, improved air quality, hygiene, and/or testing) reduce harm during later stages of illness, especially to protect people at higher risk of severe illness. Some people, especially people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time. It is important to note that a similar residual risk of transmission is also true for influenza and other viruses.PA DOH FAQs
