In light of new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, this update provides a refresh on CSG’s COVID-19 practices, including quarantine procedures, reporting, masking, virtual learning, and the usage of our BinaxNOW at-home tests. 

 

Quarantine: 

Given the high number of cases in the central Ohio area, CSG will continue to follow our past protocol of quarantining for 10 full days after a positive test result. We will continue to monitor our community and make changes to this process as we see fit. 

 

Reporting:

Please use our Online Reporting Tool found on our COVID-19 Dashboard as soon as possible if your daughter has tested positive or has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. Nurse Jen Price will follow up with you. 

 

BinaxNOW tests:

The BinaxNOW tests we have available have had their expiration dates extended by Columbus Public Health through the end of 2022. While this is very good news due to the current scarcity of these tests, it can be confusing to initiate a proctored exam through the NAVICA application. If you are told you cannot take a proctored test, please watch this video to take the test yourself. If you need a test kit, they are available at the front desk.

 

Masking and Mitigation Efforts:

Masks will continue to be worn by all while indoors on CSG’s campus and will remain highly encouraged when outside if a distance of at least three feet cannot be maintained. We encourage the use of surgical masks on campus, if at all possible, since studies have shown them to be most effective in filtering virus particles. Cloth masks, as long as they are cleaned on a daily basis, are still recommended as well. 

 

Virtual Learning:

We are saving Zoom for confirmed, lengthy quarantine cases only. Nurse Price approves all quarantine cases and works with division directors to determine who is able to use Zoom for virtual learning. Our IT Department requires a minimum of 24 hours to set up a student to use Zoom.  

 

At this time, we do not plan to switch to a hybrid or fully-virtual model, but we will endeavor to give you notice if circumstances require that we do. CSG is prepared to pivot to a hybrid or virtual learning model quickly should the need arise. As we have done in the past, we will prioritize in-person learning for our youngest students who have more of a challenge with virtual platforms, and we will only move away from in-person learning for all students for short periods, and only if absolutely necessary. The triggers for any pivot could range from faculty shortages and surges of cases in divisions, to state and local mandates.

National travel for unvaccinated individuals

• No quarantine is required upon return to campus if symptoms are not present.

• Unvaccinated students must receive a negative test for COVID-19 on day 3 and day 5 from the day they return home. Example: If your family returns home Sunday, Nov. 28, your student must test Dec. 1 and Dec. 3. If any symptoms are present between returning home and the testing periods, students must remain home until a negative test is received. Accepted tests include Abbott Labs’ BinaxNOW test, a rapid from your healthcare provider, or a PCR from your healthcare provider. 

• If symptoms are present, your daughter must quarantine for 7 days or until she receives a negative test. 

 

National travel for vaccinated individuals

• No quarantine is required upon the return to campus if symptoms are not present. 

• If symptoms are present, quarantine for 7 days or until the child receives a negative test. 

 

We strongly recommend following CDC guidance and avoid international travel if you are not fully vaccinated. 

 

International travel for unvaccinated individuals

• Those who travel internationally and are not fully vaccinated must receive a negative test for COVID-19 on day 3 and day 5 from the day they return home and quarantine for 7 days before returning to campus.

 

International travel for vaccinated individuals

• Vaccinated individuals must show proof of a negative test on day 3 and 5 from the date they return home. Quarantine isn’t necessary during that period if no symptoms are present. If symptoms are present, quarantine for 7 days or until receipt of a negative test.

 

Please know that we will communicate with you should a change in circumstances require that we make changes to this guidance. 

 

If you have any questions, please contact CSG Nurse, Jen Price.

 

Should you have any concerns about your daughter’s health upon returning from travel, please keep your child home and contact Nurse Price. She will respond to you as soon as she is able and help you to set a plan for your daughter’s return to school.

 

As you know, at CSG, we make decisions by putting our students and our school first. Doing so flows from our love for teaching and learning, which is grounded in trust, excellence, and persistence. We are deeply grateful to you for your support in all matters and, in particular, in the critical role you play in keeping the CSG community safe and healthy.

 

In strength and grace, 

 

Jennifer