MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — Rutherford County School officials announced it has gone back to a 14-day quarantine period for students with COVID-19 close contacts.
Officials say several students have developed symptoms even after returning from quarantine, prompting them to use the longer quarantine period.
The school released the following statement to parents and on social media:
"Rutherford County Schools has reverted to using a 14-day quarantine period for students who are identified as close contacts of an individual with a confirmed case of COVID-19. In December, the district had selected a shorter quarantine option that was provided by the CDC which allowed students to exit quarantine after seven symptom-free days with a negative COVID-19 test. However, since then, there have been several cases of students using the early return option and then developing symptoms, which resulted in other contact-traced quarantines.
We are vigilant when it comes to contract-tracing and quarantining as part of our mitigation plan to maintain staffing levels and to keep schools open. If too many employees are quarantined because of contact-tracing, then we must close an entire for a period of time, which affects parents and students. We appreciate you understanding the need for the longer quarantine period."
