New Covid Guidelines

In alignment with the California Department of Public Health, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has updated COVID-19 isolation guidelines to move away from five days of isolation and instead focus on clinical symptoms to determine when to end isolation.

As COVID-19 has entered an endemic state, it is now similar to other respiratory viruses such as RSV and Flu. Previous policies and isolation requirements were implemented during a pandemic when there was minimal immunity in the population.

Due to broad immunity from COVID-19 from vaccination and/or natural infection and readily available therapeutics, we are in a different stage with COVID-19.

Throughout this pandemic, we have learned new tools and behaviors to keep ourselves and others healthy and safe.

Testing and masking are vital tools that we can all use to protect ourselves and those around us.

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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) now recommends the following actions to align with common practices of other respiratory viruses.

People with COVID-19 Who HAVE SYMPTOMS:

     • Staff and students with COVID-19 must stay home and away from others if symptomatic and/or with fever.

Isolation can end when both of the following criteria are met:

          • Have not had a fever for 24 hours without taking medication that reduces fevers AND

          • Other symptoms are not present or are mild and improving.

Additionally:

     • A person leaving isolation prior to 10 days from the date of a positive test and/or onset of symptoms is required to wear a mask when around others for 10 days.

     • It is strongly recommended that an individual test for COVID-19 prior to ending isolation and extend isolation until day 10 if they continue to test positive.

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People with COVID-19 Who DO NOT HAVE SYMPTOMS:

     • Staff and students with COVID-19 who do not have symptoms are not required to isolate only if wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask in all settings when around others, for 10 days after first testing positive.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and afterward, Los Angeles Unified has nimbly adjusted to the changing conditions of this virus. We will continue to align with public health recommendations and educate our schools and communities about how to stay safe and healthy during high transmission of respiratory viruses.