Oklahoma Department Of Education Clarifies Quarantine Vs. Isolation

The Oklahoma Department of Education has once again updated its "Return to Learn Plan," as many districts have already started the fall semester.

Most of the 39-page "Return to Learn" document is the same but the state wants to clarify key terms related to COVID-19 in schools like 'isolation' and 'quarantine.'

The state now defines the word 'quarantine' as, "keeping someone who was in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 away from others." If someone has had that close of contact they should stay home for 2 weeks, check their temperature twice a day, and watch for COVID symptoms.

The state has also updated the word 'isolation' as "keeping someone who's sick or tested positive without symptoms away from others, even in their own home." If someone is sick or thinks they have COVID they should stay home for 24 hours until they do not have a fever or their symptoms improve.

If they test positive but do not have symptoms they should stay home until 10 days have passed since getting a positive test. Additionally school administrators must immediately notify local health officials, school staff members, and families of a positive COVID case.

If someone tests positive their name will not be released publicly, but it may be shared with certain school staff to make sure those who have been exposed are identified.