NEW STATE PROCEDURES FOR COVID-19 CASES

The Iowa Department of Public Health has a different approach to quarantining and contact tracing on positive COVID-19 cases this year. Here is a section of the IDPH document to schools from August 5, 2021:

Is IDPH currently performing COVID-19 positive case investigations for all positive reports or conducting contact
tracing for COVID-19 exposed persons?
No. IDPH has adjusted COVID-19 surveillance to follow the influenza model; state case investigation and tracing efforts
for COVID-19 now focus on outbreaks and vulnerable populations. Just like with other public health activities, these efforts will be continuously evaluated and adjusted as needed.

Will IDPH issue isolation and quarantine orders for COVID-19 positive or COVID-19 exposed students, teachers,
or other staff members?
No. IDPH is not currently issuing isolation and quarantine orders for COVID-19 positive or COVID-19 exposed individuals.

Can LPH departments require schools to perform case investigations or conduct contact tracing on their behalf?
No. While some LPH are continuing to pursue case investigations, LPH cannot require schools to perform case
investigations or contact tracing. School nurses do have a legal duty to assist a local board of health in a disease
investigation. See 641 IAC 1.7.

You may begin to see notifications of positive COVID-19 cases from one of our schools. Please continue to monitor your child for symptoms. The state of Iowa is treating COVID-19 as an influenza model as stated above.

The district will continue to update this FAQ document as questions and answers are able to be given.