COVID-19 Updated Guidance for Childcare and K-12 Schools
On Oct. 12, 2021, the interim guidance for childcare settings and K-12 schools was updated. For COVID-19, the close contact definition now excludes students who were within 3 to 6 feet of an infected student (laboratory-confirmed or a clinically compatible illness) if the exposed student(s) wore masks during the exposure time. Previously quarantine could only be avoided if both a close contact AND infected student wore a mask within the 3 to 6 feet distance. This exception does not apply to teachers, staff, or other adults in the indoor classroom setting. See the updated guidance below for details.
- UPDATED - COVID-19 Guidance for K-12 Schools Booklet (10.20.2021)
- UPDATED - COVID-19 Childcare Setting Guidance Booklet (10.20.2021)
- Parents and Caregivers - What Is Your School Doing to Protect Your Child from COVID-19? (8.31.2021, CDC)
- Childcare Interim Guidance for Management of COVID-19 Cases (8.25.2021)
- Mask Opt-Out Form Availability (8.24.2021)
- Consent Form for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for people 12 Years of Age and Older (for DHEC clinics only)
- Consent Form for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for people 12 Years of Age and Older (Spanish - Solo para las clinicas del DHEC)
- AAP Interim Guidance Return to Sports and Physical Activity
- Guidance for Persons Who Have Had Close Contact with a COVID-19 Case
- COVID-19 in Schools: Frequently Asked Questions for Parents (05.11.2021)
- COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions for School Officials (05.11.2021)
- School Exclusion Brochure and List
- Interim Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) PPE Use Guidance for School Nurses and Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)
- S.C. Department of Education