The State Department of Education (SDE) recently released updated guidance on mitigation strategies in Connecticut’s preK–12 schools. Many questions remain; however, the guidance offers some clarification about quarantines, masking, and other strategies.
Masks are required inside school buildings at least through September 30, 2021, per Governor Lamont’s executive order; however, students and staff do not need to wear masks outdoors, regardless of vaccination status. School districts can allow fully vaccinated teachers to remove their masks during active instruction at the front of the classroom (masks must still be worn at all other times indoors).
The SDE says that consistently and correctly masked students spaced at least 3 feet apart no longer need to quarantine if exposed to a COVID-19 case inside their classroom. Fully vaccinated students and staff no longer need to quarantine from school or other activities following contact with a COVID-19 case if they remain symptom-free.
