Colorado School Quarantine Guidance: What To Know

DENVER, CO —In accordance with the latest CDC guidelines regarding isolation and quarantine in the midst of the current omicron surge, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has updated its school guidelines.

Under the new guidelines, anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should isolate for five days, with day zero being the first day of symptoms. After that period of five days — as long as symptoms are mild and there is no fever — people may break isolation, provided they wear a mask around all other people (both at home and at school) for five additional days.

Students and faculty who come in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 should isolate for at least five days if they are also unvaccinated, cannot wear a mask, have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine but no booster, or are 18 or older and vaccinated but not boosted.

Any students or faculty who are boosted, have had a positive viral COVID-19 within the past 90 days or are between the ages of five and 17 and are fully vaccinated do not need to isolate if they come in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.

Until Feb. 1, staff who are exposed to COVID-19 may return to work following a negative test. Beginning on Feb. 1, all staff members must have received a booster in order to return to work following an exposure to COVID-19.

Vaccines are currently available across the state for all those who are five or older. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment urges parents and guardians to make vaccination appointments for their children ages five and older as soon as possible, as vaccinations are the strongest protection against COVID-19.

Find a vaccination center here.