As cases of COVID-19 climb across our country and state, we are seeing a similar trend here in Chesterfield.  Last week the Southwest Region of the State (our region) moved from the Moderate Risk level to the High Risk level.  The BCDOH also reported the number of positive cases in Burlington County doubled within a 24-hour period in the past week, and I have sent several notifications of an increase in positive cases at Chesterfield.

Once we moved into the High Risk Level, specific protocols became more restrictive.  While at the High Risk Level, unvaccinated close contacts are required to quarantine for 14 days, rather than 10, and a negative COVID-19 test can no longer be used to shorten the quarantine period.  Another change is specific to close contact of a positive case in the same household:  the quarantine period for an unvaccinated individual who is identified as a close contact of a positive case in the same household is “10 + 14”.  This means that the 14 day quarantine period begins after the positive case in the household has isolated for 10 days.  Thus, in this case, the quarantine time frame is 24 days total.

I cannot stress enough to please continue to follow all COVID-19 health and safety protocols, including keeping your child home if your child is experiencing symptoms of illness or has been a close contact of a positive case.  I also encourage you to keep our school nurses in the Health Office informed if you are experiencing any issues with COVID-19 that would impact our school community. 

Let’s do our part and work together to keep our school community healthy and safe.  

                                                      -Scott Heino, Superintendent