Beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 18, Washington Court House City Schools (WCHCS) intends to move from mandatory face coverings to optional wear while in the school building.
The last day students, faculty, and staff will be required to wear masks will be Friday, Jan. 14, to account for the two-week incubation period following the New Year’s holiday.
“Currently, the overall COVID-19 situation at WCHCS has consistently maintained a low level,” said WCHCS Superintendent Dr. Tom Bailey. “In the event of any change to the situation in our schools or community, as well as new guidance from local, state, and federal health organizations, this decision can be postponed or reinstated at any time.”
WCHCS will continue to practice physical distancing, an aggressive and comprehensive sanitation protocol, and other risk mitigation measures, according to district officials. Masks will continue to be available and encouraged for those who wish to wear them during the school day.
While masks will become optional in WCHCS buildings on Jan. 18, due to state law, students will still be required to properly wear face coverings at all times while on the bus to and from school and all extracurricular activities, regardless of vaccination status.
WCHCS will continue to follow the Ohio Department of Health’s “Guidelines for Quarantine After Exposure in K-12 Classroom Settings.” Any student or staff member who is vaccinated and is identified as a close contact to someone with COVID-19 in the classroom setting will be required to wear a mask for 14 days. Students and staff members who are not vaccinated and are exposed to someone with COVID-19 will be required to quarantine from school and extracurricular activities for 14 days.
Opportunities for early return after a negative test are possible. For specifics and more information regarding the state’s quarantine guidelines for classrooms, parents can visit odh.ohio.gov.
COVID-19 vaccinations are available for all individuals 5 years of age and older. If you would like to get your student vaccinated, contact Fayette County Public Health at 740-335-5910 or go to faycohd.org.
“WCHCS will continue to work closely with Fayette County Public Health, the Ohio Department of Education, and other agencies to monitor the ever-changing situation as it relates to the health and well-being of our community and students,” said Dr. Bailey. “The safety and well-being of every Blue Lion is our top priority, and we will continue to ensure that our schools are a safe and healthy place to learn each day.”
