Columbia Public Schools makes COVID-19 policy changes as student cases drop
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia Public Schools is implementing changes to its COVID-19 policy as cases drop. The school district has seen new daily student cases in the single digits over the past month.
According to the CPS COVID-19 Dashboard, the last time the district recorded new daily student cases in the double digits was on Jan. 31 when 21 new student cases were recorded.
The dashboard shows two new student cases were recorded last Monday with an additional new case documented on Wednesday.
As of Monday morning, one student in the entire district was out because of a COVID-19 diagnosis.
New COVID-19 Policy Changes
CPS states the district announced the policy changes because of the continued decline in COVID-19 cases within the community.
According to Boone County's COVID-19 Dashboard, there have been fewer than 80 new cases recorded during March.
With the new changes, students who have been exposed and remain asymptomatic will no longer need to wear a mask or social distance at lunch.
Per the old policy, the school district will continue to notify families if their student has been exposed to COVID-19.
CPS states families should continue to monitor their exposed children for symptoms and follow the screening guidance outlined in the COVID-19 plan.
The school district states symptomatic individuals who test positive will need to follow the CPS protocols when returning to class.
According to CPS, the district will continue to offer free antigen testing through June for individuals who have a referral.
Masks will continue to be optional and available for all students and staff.
