This school year has been an adjustment because of all the different COVID-19 variants. The suggestions and requirements of what to do when exposed or testing positive are ever-changing.  

According to the Rutherford County School page, which is updating cases off a five-day average, there are 30% positive cases in high schools, 40% in elementary schools, and 30% in middle schools. As of January 15, 2022, the Rutherford County positivity rate is 47.5%. 

Between January 17-21, there were 1,391 positive COVID-19 student cases reported and 2,147 students quarantined for at least one day. Keep in mind, there are, as of September 7, 49,039 students who are enrolled in the district. 

Also, between January 17-21, there are 349 positive employee cases reported and 534 employee quarantine cases for at least one day. 

What is the suggestion if you test positive? 

“If you have tested positive for COVID-19, then you should isolate for 5 days from the date your symptoms began. If asymptomatic after 5 days, you may leave isolation if you can continue to mask for five days to minimize the risk of infecting others,” the Rutherford County webpage stated. 

Sloan Lowe is the nurse at Blackman High School. 

“The biggest change is that the SOLE authority to determine quarantine guidelines related to COVID lies with the Tennessee Commissioner of Health. What this means is we cannot as a school system require any person to follow a certain amount of quarantine or isolation. We can only tell them what they should do and direct them to the Tennessee Department of Health for guidelines and instructions,” Lowe said. 

LaTonya Jones is a health science teacher at Blackman. Since administrators cannot require quarantine or isolation, Jones also has some suggestions. 

“Be familiar with the policies and look at the science of this pandemic, as well as healthcare workers, to make good decisions,” Jones stated. 

Once someone’s symptoms improve, and they do not have a fever within these 5 days of isolation, you may return to do daily activities, but it is suggested that you still social distance or wear a mask when social distancing is not occurring. 

“It is also important to know if you send a student to me for sick symptoms; I am still required to send them home for the day if they have two or more symptoms from the COVID symptom list. A big change is that they no longer have to produce a negative test in order to return. They can simply return when symptoms have improved, and as long as they have been fever-free without medication for 24 hours,” Lowe said. 

To stay healthy and avoid being sent home, “students [should] get rest, stay hydrated, wash their hands, and do not share their personal items with others. Clean your devices as well,” Jones stated. 

What do you do if you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19? 

“Individuals identified as a contact should work with the local health department and follow the instructions of the health department. A contact may remain at work or school unless exhibiting symptoms,” Lowe said about current RCS policies. 

Where do vaccinations come into play? 

According to COVID19.tn.gov, if you are not fully vaccinated, including the booster, it is recommended that someone should quarantine for five days followed by strict mask use for an additional five days. 

“I know this is a ton of information, and it has changed many times. I encourage you to look at this website: https://covid19.tn.gov/prevention/quarantine-isolation-calculator/, and play around with dates to get a better understanding of the current recommendations,” Lowe stated. 

Lowe has some words of encouragement for students. 

“Please know I am here for you all and trying my best to keep things as clear and simple as possible as we receive information. We have a great team here at BHS, and I am very thankful to be a part of this staff! I will try to answer questions as best I can! I hope this information is helpful!” Lowe said. 

We want to give a huge thank you to all our health care workers during these uncertain times.