Yesterday the Louisiana Department of Education announced an update to the state’s COVID-19 protocols.
Up until now the policy for COVID-19 in public schools required quarantines of anyone considered to be exposed to the virus.
LDE announced the creation of a new parent choice option for school systems to include in their quarantine determination process.
According to the LDE, if a school system decides to implement the parent choice option, mandatory quarantines for students defined as “close contact” will no longer be required. Instead, the parent or legal guardian will be immediately notified of the exposure and given the option to quarantine their child or allow them to remain in school. LDE officials say at that time, parents will be given an opportunity for a no-cost COVID-19 screening for their child.
Dr. Cade Brumley, State Superintendent of Education said in an issued statement that this new, common-sense option empowers parents and local communities with the authority to make health-related decisions for their students.
LDE said the parent choice option in no way alters the process school systems use to handle a student that tests positive for COVID-19. If a student develops symptoms of the virus or tests positive, the student should isolate until they have recovered and are determined to no longer be infectious.
