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COVID-19 Updates

Last updated January 28, 2022

Moving to a 5-Day Quarantine/Isolation Period Feb. 1

Public health partners like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) and Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) have recommended shortening the isolation/quarantine time from 10 days to 5 days for those who test positive for COVID-19 and close contacts who are either unvaccinated or not up-to-date with their vaccines.

According to the CDC, this change is being recommended because the majority of COVID-19 transmission “occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after.”

What This Means for Families

This change will go into effect for all CPS students and staff on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Here's what it means CPS families and community members:

Children who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status, will need to isolate and learn at home for five days rather than 10. If the child is feverish and symptoms have not improved after Day 5, they should continue to isolate at home for the full 10 day period. If the child has been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and symptoms are improving  after Day 5, the child will be free to return to school on Day 6 with the following precautions in place:

  • From Days 6 - 10, students will keep their masks on at all times, including while outdoors, except when eating or drinking.
  • When masks must be removed for eating and drinking, these students will maintain six feet of social distance from others wherever possible. 
  • Students with a mask exemption must stay home for the full 10 days.

Children who are not yet vaccinated , and who have been identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, will need to quarantine and learn at home for 5 days rather than 10.

Children who are fully vaccinated , and who have been identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will not have to quarantine at all. Visit cps.edu/vaccinations for a complete list of vaccine opportunities being offered by CPS and other health providers.

Students who are directed to isolate or quarantine by the Office of Student Health and Wellness (OSHW) will continue to receive direct instruction from their teachers while they are learning at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

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COVID-19 Resources

Find critical information on testing, case data, and more below. We all play a role in keeping schools safe.

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