Ionia Public Schools updates COVID-19 protocols

Jan. 11—IONIA — Ionia Public Schools has reduced its quarantine lengths for COVID-19, Superintendent Ben Gurk announced Monday, Jan. 10.

Gurk said the protocols are effective immediately. He said they better align with updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and for IPS to "continue to offer safe in-person instruction."

Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 will quarantine for five days, Gurk said. They can return to school if they have no symptoms and no fever after five days. They then must wear a mask around others on days six through 10.

If students and staff are unvaccinated and are a close contact of a household member who has COVID-19, they must quarantine for five days. They can return to school if they have no symptoms or fever after five days. They must take an antigen test on days six through 10. Students and staff who are unvaccinated but have had COVID-19 in the past 90 days don't need to quarantine, Gurk said.

Gurk said IPS families can contact him with any questions about the updated protocols.

"Thank you for your continued flexibility amid these ever-changing guidelines," he said.

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