COVID Procedures Update 8-23-2023

Students, Parents, Staff -

The MCOB District continues to adapt to the challenges presented by the pandemic. I understand the many challenges students, parents and staff face during this pandemic. We implemented "Test to Stay" in an attempt to keep our schools open while protecting the heath of our students and staff. Over the past month we have performed nearly 150 tests at our schools. 131 of those tests were of students identified as close contacts to a positive COVID case. Our positivity rate was less than 5% of the students tested.

MCOB District will no longer require testing of close contacts. I encourage testing if symptoms are present, but it is not required. The district will also no longer require quarantine of close contacts that do not have any symptoms. We ask parents to continue to monitor students for symptoms and keep students that are ill at home. Students presenting symptoms of illness at school will be sent home and parents will have three options for a students return to school; (1) Note from health care provider, (2) test for COIVID (lab or at home test) and send us results, (3) stay home until symptom free or return after 5 days with symptoms improved. In all cases the student should be fever free for 24 hours without the use of medication.

Close contacts of a confirmed positive COVID case at school will be notified via text message and email with the district communication system, parents will no longer be called directly by school staff.

Please click on MCOB COVID Procedures Updated 2-4-2022 for details on the various scenarios. If you have any questions please contact me via email at mbassett@pinalk12.org or phone/text at 520-483-1562. I will respond to all inquires within 12 hours.

Take care,

Marty Bassett

Superintendent