Fall 2023 Update
While COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have significantly declined from their peak, COVID-19 continues to impact Michigan communities, including school-aged children. However, vaccines are now available for those as young as six months of age, tests are in sufficient supply, and medications are available to prevent and treat COVID-19 illness. As such, at this time, masks are optional for students, staff, and visitors in Battle Creek Public Schools including while riding BCPS transportation. We continue to encourage students and staff to practice basic safety precautions like frequent hand-washing, monitoring for symptoms, and staying home when feeling sick.
Isolation Protocols
Current guidance for COVID-19, provided by the Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD):
- Positive COVID-19 Cases
- In the Operational Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs, Management of Cases and Exposure section (linked below), guidance indicates that positive cases should continue to isolate for 5 days, and should wear a mask through day 10 when returning to school.
- There is also the test-based strategy that may be employed, which indicates two sequential negative tests 48 hours apart would allow a person to safely remove their mask.
- Exposures to COVID-19
- Individuals exposed to COVID-19 are recommended to wear a mask to protect those around them. If the person develops symptoms, it’s recommended that they take a test and isolate.
Resources
- Operational Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-childcare-guidance.html
- Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html
COVID-19 vaccines are now available for persons as young as six months of age.
We highly recommend up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations for students and staff as the best means to limit the spread and severity of COVID-19 in our community so schools can remain open. Vaccines and vaccine information can be obtained from your local health department, local pharmacy, or from your health care provider.
Plan Summary
Contact
If you need assistance or have any questions, please reach out to a school office or school nurse.
- Spanish Language Support: (269) 419-1978
- Burmese Language Support: (269) 601-6029