Updated Covid-19 Positive Test & Close Contact Protocols
Close Contact:
- If fully vaccinated and symptom free no quarantine or missed activity.
2. If participant has tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 90 days and are symptom free they do not have to isolate or miss activity.
3. If not vaccinated or vaccinated and showing symptoms must isolate and wait 5 or more days after close contact to be tested.Participant may return to activity with proof of negative test.
Parents are encouraged to use local test sites (BMC test site, CVS, Walgreen's, etc.) other than Med Express. That program does not consistently report data to MA DPH, particularly in a timely manner. Without results reported into the MA DPH database, we cannot trace the positive case, nor is there a record available for other uses (eg. such as proof of previous covid infection and completed isolation periods for travel purposes). Finally, a home test may be used if it is the type that requires a physician's prescription and the specimen collection is observed via the pharmacist or via a ZOOM connection. Tests not meeting those requirements are not accepted by MA DPH and the child will be required to retest.
4. If no negative test can be provided participant must isolate for 10 days from the date close contact occurred.
Positive Test:
If the individual shows no symptoms, the recommended isolation period is shortened from 10 days to 5 days, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others.
If individual shows symptoms they must isolate for 5 days and must produce a negative test before return.