Message from Governor DeWine Re: K-12 Student Quarantine Guidance

Dear Superintendent,

Over the past couple of weeks, the COVID-19 situation has deteriorated rapidly with the spread of the Delta Variant. 

Our shared goal is to keep kids in school. However, the Delta Variant is dangerous and severe. As you continue to take precautions to keep your school children safe and in the classroom, I am resending the guidance from the Ohio Department of Health regarding if and when children exposed to the virus should be quarantined. While this is the same guidance, we have tried to write it in a more clear and precise way. 

The bottom line is this:  If a child is exposed to the virus, but if that child is vaccinated or if that child was wearing a mask during the exposure, that child does not need to be quarantined.

Vaccines work. Masks work. So, please continue to encourage staff and eligible students to get vaccinated. Vaccinations, and masks for those not vaccinated, will keep our kids in school.

Again, the clarified quarantine guidance is attached. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Lance Himes at the Ohio Department of Health at
lance.himes@odh.ohio.gov. Thank you for all you are doing to keep our kids in school.

Very respectfully yours, 

Mike DeWine

Governor

Please see these additional resources:

Legal Authorization for Quarantine and Isolation

Face Mask Research Summary