Frequently Asked Questions

What is Close Contact?  I received a notification.

A close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of a confirmed COVID-19 person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. This determination was made in collaboration with Kern County Public Health Department (KCPHD) based on California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

If exposure occurs what is the difference between modified quarantine at school and quarantine at home?

1. Who needs to modify quarantine at school?

1. Students and staff who were wearing masks when exposed.
2. Students who are not vaccinated.
3. Close contact means within 6 feet of a positive individual for 15 minutes or more, or collectively for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.
4. May continue to attend in-person instruction
5. Excluded from extra-curricular activities at school and within the community.
6. Undergo at least twice weekly testing during the 10 day quarantine period; and

1. Can be released from quarantine after day 7, if a negative test is collected after day 5.
2. Testing should occur at least 3 days apart.
3. Only antigen diagnostic tests and PCR diagnostic tests.
4. Test must be performed by school or health care professionals.

2. Who needs to quarantine at home?

1. At least one party not wearing a mask leads to at-home quarantine.  
2. Quarantine can end after day 10 from the date of last exposure without testing if student is not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.

How long will I be quarantined if I am asymptomatic?

Quarantine can end after day 7 if a diagnostic specimen is collected after day 5 from the date of last exposure and the result is negative. Only includes antigen diagnostic tests and PCR diagnostic tests. Test must be performed by school or health care professionals.

• Must be asymptomatic
• Must continue to monitor for symptoms through day 14; and
• Follow all recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions through day 14 from the last known exposure.
• Continue to appropriately mask, as required.

Who does not need to quarantine?

1. Vaccinated Individual (must provide documentation)

1. Does not have to quarantine as long as there are no symptoms
2. Must wear a mask
3. Must monitor symptoms for 14 days

Can I still participate in athletics and extracurricular activities while I am under a modified quarantine or a regular quarantine?

You may not participate in athletics, extra-curricular activities, and it is also recommended you  do not participate in activities in the community while you are either under a modified or regular quarantine.

If you have questions or concerns about this, please contact our district nurse, Andria Smith at (661) 763-2300 or KCPH at (661) 321-3000.

*We know this information can cause concern and frustration. We are sending our families and students our best wishes in this difficult time. We thank you for your continued cooperation and support of our efforts to keep and maintain a safe and healthy school environment.

What are you doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

We continue to work closely with Kern County Public Health, the California Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools for the most updated information and recommended practices.  Our custodial staff has been diligent with cleaning and disinfecting classrooms and public areas.  We have also educated students on proper hand washing and posters about COVID-19 and CDC recommendations, Hand washing, and the “T-Zone” are  posted around the school

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Is a doctor’s note required for students/staff to return to school? Per the California Department of Public Health’s School Guidance on COVID-19, we will relax requirements, with a doctor’s note, for a child or staff member to return to school if no symptoms persist and they self-quarantined as a precaution. However, a  doctor’s note is required if the student tested positive for COVID-19.

What if I do not have Internet access at home?  Students without access to the Internet can request assistance through their teacher or by calling the school office at 661-763-2300.  All student work will be posted to Canvas for students to work on while under quarantine.