Summit Schools Eliminate Quarantine For Close Contacts: Update

SUMMIT, NJ — With Summit Schools transitioning to "mask-optional" starting March 7, Superintendent Dr. Scott Hough sent a series of updates on Tuesday regarding COVID policies in the district.

Effective immediately, the district will no longer require individuals to quarantine who are close contacts to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Nurses will continue to conduct contract tracing, but parents will now have the option to quarantine their child if they are identified as a close contact and are not fully vaccinated.

According to the new policy, if student decides to quarantine, they will have access to remote learning. Parents are advised to monitor their children for symptoms and get them tested if symptoms begin.

The only quarantine exception to this policy is if an individual is a close contact to someone in their household who tests positive for COVID-19. If an individual is exposed to COVID-19 from a member in their household and is not fully vaccinated, the individual is required to quarantine for five days and may return to school on day six if asymptomatic.

Again, remote learning will be available for household close contacts who are not fully vaccinated.

Students, staff and visitors will not be required to wear masks beginning March 7, in accordance with Gov. Phil Murphy lifting the state mandate. The choice of whether or not to wear a mask to school is now up to individual discretion.

Summit teachers and staff will not be responsible for monitoring students whose parents/guardians want them to wear a mask. However, disposable masks will continue to be available at each school office for anyone who would like one.

The district urges everyone to continue to support and respect one another as people will make decisions on what is best for them.

The Federal Order to wear masks on public transportation has also been lifted. Effective March 7, students/staff will not be required to wear a mask on a bus while traveling for field trips, athletic events, etc.

The district advises parents to continue to keep children at home if they are exhibiting any symptoms. If a student is exhibiting COVID symptoms at school and is sent to the nurse's office, they will be asked to wear a mask in the nurse's office to protect others from getting sick.

People should continue to report positive COVID results to the District.

Masks will be required to wear in school on days 6-10 for those returning after a positive result.

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