Skip Navigation
Coronavirus
Resources Related to Coronavirus
Quarantine and Testing Guidelines

Quarantine and Testing Guidelines

August 15, 2022

In light of the highly contagious COVID-19 BA.5 variant, masks are required in all schools and facilities until further notice. This decision was recommended by the Prince George’s County Health Department.

There is no longer a quarantine requirement for individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19. Individuals who may have been exposed can remain in schools unless they become symptomatic. It is recommended that anyone exposed get tested on the 5th day after exposure

PGCPS will provide rapid antigen COVID tests only for symptomatic individuals with signed parental consent forms on file

If a person tests positive, they should remain home for 5 days and can return on day 6 if asymptomatic.

Parents are to notify their child's school in the case of a positive COVID-19 test.

PGCPS has updated guidance for social distancing to mirror that of CDC. Individuals are encouraged to keep distance from others when feasible to include workspaces, meeting rooms and in shared spaces (hallways, stairwells, staff lounges).

COVID-19 Protocols

Our goal is to minimize disruption to learning and work environments while quickly quarantining those who present with the following COVID-19 symptoms while at school or at work:

  • Fever (100.4 degrees or higher)
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Diarrhea or vomiting
  • Severe headache
  • Loss of taste or smell

What is “close contact?”

  • Being 3 feet or less away for 15 or more minutes during a 24-hour period.
  • Being 6 feet or less away while eating or outdoors for 15 minutes or more during a 24-hour period.

How will students continue learning during quarantine?

  • Students who need to quarantine as a result of direct exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will continue to have access to Google Classroom or Canvas. 
  • If an entire class is quarantined, students would move to virtual learning taught by their regular instructor or a substitute educator. If the teacher is sick and another educator is not available, the class will have access to asynchronous (self-paced) instruction, such as videos, assignments, presentations and online texts, and other grade and content-specific online learning platforms. 

How are cases in PGCPS reported?