Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) will release its updated COVID-19 Data webpage on Tuesday, August 31. The page will contain updates on COVID-19 cases at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Though schools at the elementary, middle and high school levels have reported cases, LCPS has not identified any in-school transmissions.

 

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) uses proximity of within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more within 24 hours to determine the need for quarantining those who have had close contact exposure to someone who has COVID-19. In K-12 settings, a student who is more than 3 feet from an infected student is not considered a “close contact” as long as both students wore well-fitting masks during the interaction. However, a student who is within six feet of an infected adult for more than 15 minutes in a 24-hour period is considered a close contact and will need to quarantine. Students receive virtual instruction during the quarantine period. 

 

When an LCPS employee or student tests positive for COVID-19, the Loudoun County Health Department (LCHD) and/or LCPS conduct contact tracing in accordance with the VDH procedures. Either LCPS staff or LCHD staff communicates with all close contacts of individuals who have tested positive. 

 

Fully vaccinated close contacts do not need to quarantine. They should monitor their symptoms and stay masked while indoors for 14 days after exposure; they also should get tested for COVID-19 3-5 days after their last exposure to the positive case.

 

LCPS follows the VDH Interim Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Virginia PreK-12 Schools (UPDATED 08/12/21). This guidance emphasizes several key prevention strategies, including vaccination, masking, physical distancing, screening testing, ventilation, hand hygiene, cleaning, staying home when sick, and prompt contact tracing once any cases are identified. Vaccination, masking, and physical distancing, where possible, and other layered mitigation measures are an important part of LCPS Mask and Mitigation Plan.

 

Following this guidance and using layered mitigation practices to the fullest extent possible means we will be doing everything we can to help prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus.The safety, health and well-being of students, staff members, their families and the broader Loudoun community remains a top priority at Loudoun County Public Schools. 

 

While on school property, LCPS students, parents, and staff members will continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Guidance), VDH Interim Guidance, and LCPS posted information on mitigation. The LCHD reports that community transmission of COVID-19 continues to occur in Loudoun. The LCHD advises that anyone who is ill should self-isolate and contact their physician for further guidance. Visit the LCHD website for more information.

 

Visit the LCPS COVID-19 Case Data page for information updated daily on schools with reported cases when it goes live on Tuesday, August 31. 

 

Published 8/31/2021