Indian Hill School District Families:
We have two significant updates to share with you today: an update on our K-12 mask mandate and an update from the Ohio Department of Health on contract tracing.
Mask Mandate Expiration
First, after careful examination of our most recent data, which includes improved overall staffing and attendance levels, the administration has made the decision to allow the short-term mask mandate to expire at the end of the day on Friday, January 28.
Students and staff will return to school Monday, January 31 in a mask-optional environment grades K-12.
As always, we will continue to monitor the evolving COVID research and data. Our priority of in-person learning will continue to guide our decision making as we work together to ensure success.
New ODH Guidance on Contact Tracing
Additionally, today, schools received updated guidance and administrative rules pertaining to the COVID reporting order.
Effective immediately, administration and school nurses will cooperate with the local health department, Hamilton County Public Health (HCPH), to shift from universal, daily contact tracing, case investigation and exposure notification, to assist the HCPH on a weekly basis to identify clusters, or school specific outbreaks. The new process will begin Friday, January 28 with our first weekly cumulative reporting to HCPH.
Indian Hill will discontinue universal contact tracing, but continue to assist HCPH and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) with contact tracing, case investigation, and exposure notification related to outbreaks or clusters in schools as determined by HCPH.
Our administration will continue to adhere to ODH’s rules for “Mask to Stay, Test to Play,” and allow asymptomatic students to attend school while wearing a mask if they have been exposed to someone with COVID.
Click here to access flow charts that explain how to proceed after testing positive for COVID or being exposed to someone who has COVID.
We appreciate your continued patience and grace as we navigate the remainder of the school year during these unprecedented times.
In service to our children,
Kirk Koennecke
Superintendent
Indian Hill School District