Update: COVID-19 Return to School Guidelines
January 17, 2022
Mercy High School has updated our COVID-19 return to school policy to reflect recent guidance from the Oakland County Health Department. These modifications shorten the isolation and quarantine timeframe for positive and exposed students who agree to strictly follow this return to school safety protocol.
For students who are exposed to COVID-19, quarantine may be necessary. Students who have completed the primary COVID-19 vaccine series or have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days AND are not symptomatic are not required to quarantine.
- Monitor for symptoms for days 0-10; AND
- Students who are not fully vaccinated and/or symptomatic must quarantine at home for 5 days (day “0” is the day of exposure).
- If the student remains asymptomatic, she may return to school on day 6 with a negative rapid antigen test result administered by the Mercy Wellness Center. Symptomatic students should remain at home for the full 10 days.
- To schedule a rapid antigen test with the Wellness Center, contact Nurse Pat Attaway (pattaway@mhsmi.org or 248-893-3568) prior to day 6.
- Students declining the rapid antigen test option must quarantine for the full 10 days.
- With a negative test result, the student may return to school while wearing a well fitting mask and continuing to monitor for symptoms through day 10.
- In order to participate in extracurricular activities, including athletics and performing arts, well fitting masks must be worn over the mouth and nose at all times for days 6-10. During this time, students who decline or are unable to mask may not participate in any extracurricular activities.
- If the test result is positive or should the student develop symptoms, the student will return home and follow the protocols for COVID-19 positive students.
Students who test positive for COVID-19 and/or display COVID-19 symptoms should isolate regardless of vaccination status:
- Monitor for symptoms for days 0-10; AND
- Isolate at home for days 0-5 (day “0” is the day symptoms begin or day test was taken for those without symptoms); AND
- If symptoms have improved, no new symptoms have developed and 24-hours fever-free, the student may return to school while wearing a well-fitting mask, for days 6-10.
- In order to participate in extracurricular activities, including athletics and performing arts, well fitting masks must be worn over the mouth and nose at all times for days 6-10. During this time, students who decline or are unable to mask may not participate in any extracurricular activities.
- If symptoms have not improved, contact the Mercy HS Wellness Nurse for further guidance in determining a return to school date.
We are proud of the support we receive from our students, parents/guardians and staff that has helped us to maintain in-person learning. With your assistance in following these guidelines, we hope to ensure the continued health and safety of our community.