INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Public Health Department has released initial guidance to help schools in Marion County operate safely during the 2021-2022 school year. The recommendations include cohorting of students, maintaining social distancing of three feet, and mask use for students, teachers, and staff who are unvaccinated. The guidance also lays out a recommended quarantine of at least 10 days for staff and students who come in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. The recommended guidance was developed in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC), the Indiana State Department of Health, and public and private school leadership in Marion County.
The following is included in the initial guidance for the 2021-2022 school year:
• Social distancing: recommend cohorting of all students and social distancing of at least three feet.
• Masks/face coverings: masks are recommended indoors for all unvaccinated students, teachers, and staff, as well as any individual with an underlying condition regardless of vaccination status. Masks are also recommended for unvaccinated individuals and those with underlying health conditions in outdoor crowded settings.
• Visitors: masks and social distancing of six feet are recommended for all visitors indoors — parents/guardians, community partners, volunteers — regardless of vaccination status.
• Athletics/extracurricular activities: student athletes are not required to wear masks during practice or games. It is recommended that band, orchestra, and choir groups limit indoor practices and performances to 90 minutes. Additional recommendations for extracurricular activities can be found in the attached guidance document.
• Transportation: masks are required for students, bus drivers, and staff on any school-sponsored transportation by federal government mandate.
• Sanitizing: all high touch surfaces should be sanitized frequently. Hand sanitizer should continue to be available for students and staff.
• Isolation: individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for a minimum of 10 days following the onset of symptoms, or from the test collection date, if asymptomatic.
• Quarantine: individuals identified as a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case should quarantine for a minimum of 10 days after the most recent exposure. A 14-day quarantine is the most protective option. Individuals who can provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine unless symptoms develop.
All eligible Marion County residents are strongly encouraged to visit ourshot.in.gov and find a nearby COVID-19 vaccine clinic. The COVID-19 vaccines save the body from the risk of fighting COVID unprepared by giving the immune system instructions to recognize and kill the virus if exposed, greatly reducing the risk of serious illness due to the virus. Those with unanswered questions or concerns about the vaccine can call the Health Department at 317-221-2000 or visit cdc.gov/coronavirus or ourshot.in.gov.
The COVID-19 vaccine is free to everyone, and no Social Security number is required to receive a vaccine. Free transportation to a vaccine appointment is available through IU Health by calling 1.888.IUHEALTH and choosing option 9. Free childcare is also available to help parents and caregivers get vaccinated and recuperate from any short-term side effects. More information can be found at vaccines.gov/incentives.html.
As of July 26, over 766,000 Hoosiers have tested positive for COVID-19, and 13,537 have died. About 10% of positive cases have been found in children ages 5-17. Cases have been rising slightly since the end of June.