Sangamon Sun

Ball-Chatham Community Unit School District 5 issued the following announcement on Jan. 7

On January 7, the Ball-Chatham School District was informed that the CDC had updated their school exclusion guidance, aligning with their other recent changes. We have included an overview of adjustments that were made:

• Reducing the school exclusion period for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 if these individuals are asymptomatic or their symptoms are improving;individuals are asymptomatic or their symptoms are improving;
• Updated Exclusion Guidance for Close Contacts:

Exclusions not required for close contacts who:

• Are 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). 

Close contacts are required to exclude for five days if:

• Age 18 or older and completed the primary series of recommended vaccine, 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.

The changes have been confirmed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and are effective immediately. Linked below is the Health Alert published by the Illinois Department of Public Health. 

Today’s announcement does not change the state of Illinois’ mask requirement for anyone inside school buildings. The Governor’s indoor mask mandate for school is still in effect until further notice. 

Staff and students who are currently impacted by an exclusion now have a revised return to school date. Please see the chart below to know when to send your child back to school.

Original source can be found here.