Despite a surge in COVID-19 cases within Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine has opted to disregard CDC recommendations regarding quarantine protocols in schools. He announced that moving forward, both students and teachers who have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 will not be required to quarantine.
DeWine’s decision is based on an independent review (not peer-reviewed), suggesting that as long as students wear masks during exposure in school, there’s “no need” for quarantine. Currently, Ohio is facing a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, with active cases nearing 800,000. Given the extensive community spread, many experts would expect stricter adherence to quarantine measures, especially in educational settings, where DeWine is advocating for in-person learning regardless of vaccine availability.
The World Health Organization has noted that COVID-19 cases among children in school environments are frequently mild, asymptomatic, and often underreported. This raises concerns about labeling schools as “safe zones” when the data supporting such a claim is insufficient, especially as many states experience high levels of community transmission.
“Ultimately, this will be one more step to keep kids inside the classroom which is where we know we want them to be,” DeWine stated regarding his quarantine policy. Preliminary findings from the evaluation indicated “no meaningful difference in the risk of contracting the virus” for those in close contact with infected individuals compared to those who were further away. This led the governor to conclude that Ohio classrooms are maintaining a safe environment for students, even though there is little control over their activities outside school.
Oklahoma’s Governor Kevin Stitt has also made similar adjustments to state protocols, allowing teachers and students to avoid quarantine after exposure in classroom settings, provided that all safety measures are followed.
DeWine has faced criticism for his recent announcement about COVID-19 vaccinations for Ohio teachers. They will be eligible to receive the vaccine starting February 1, but only if they commit in writing to returning to in-person teaching by March 1. Critics argue that this condition is manipulative, as it does not allow enough time for the vaccine to take full effect, and raises ethical concerns about prioritizing vaccinations for educators.
Jonathan Black, superintendent of a school district in Warren County, Ohio, expressed his support for the new quarantine policy, stating that it removes a significant barrier for schools, as thousands of students have had to quarantine multiple times.
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In summary, Governor Mike DeWine has opted to relax quarantine measures for students and teachers exposed to COVID-19 in Ohio schools, basing his decision on an independent study. This move has sparked criticism and concern amid rising case numbers, while other states like Oklahoma are adopting similar policies. The implications of these decisions on public health and education continue to be a topic of debate.
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