Columbia Public Schools to update COVID-19 plan with new CDC guidance

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Public Schools will update its COVID-19 plan to reflect new, relaxed guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark said the school board, which next meets Sept. 12, will have to approve the updated plan.

Among the changes identified by the CDC are ending quarantine recommendations and changing mask guidance. The CDC still recommends that kids and teachers get vaccinated and stay home when they're sick. The agency also recommends schools have adequate ventilation.

The plan currently on the CPS website was updated in March as students were still in classes. Like other districts, CPS will not require masks but welcomes those who want to wear them. The district will have rapid antigen tests provided by the state on hand for students to take home.

CPS officials say students who are sick should stay home. Anyone who tests positive should stay home for five days.

"But we're making sure that our scholars are safe by telling anyone that has symptoms, anyone that you know, whether it's the fever or the coughing, et cetera, you know stay home, get well, and then come back to us to prevent you know rates of infection from spreading," Superintendent Brian Yearwood said.

The district's current plan is posted on its website.