January 13, 2022
MISD Stakeholders,
As you are aware on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, due to recent COVID-19 information available for Murray/Calloway County, the Murray Independent School District began requiring face masks/coverings indoors (classroom, hallways, offices, etc…) for all students (PS-12) and staff during regular school hours and KIDS’ CO after-school program. Universal masking applies to all individuals, including visitors, regardless of vaccination status. Per federal mandate, face masks/coverings are required when using school transportation.
At extracurricular activities, face masks/coverings are highly encouraged for large indoor venues (gyms, auditoriums, etc…). Face masks/coverings are not required outdoors.
MISD encourages everyone eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine to strongly consider and take part after consultation with your healthcare provider. The vaccines are our best defense for a safe and healthy school year.
This week, we received updated COVID-19 guidance from the Kentucky Department of Public Health that includes several changes to COVID-19 protocols.
Quarantines
At School Exposures - With the use of universal masking in our district, individuals do not need to quarantine following at-school exposures to a person diagnosed with COVID-19 if they are not experiencing symptoms.
Outside of School Exposures (e.g. household members) – Individuals should quarantine following an exposure to a person diagnosed with COVID-19 occurring outside of school if they have not completed their primary COVID-19 vaccine series more than 14 days prior to the exposure.
Positive Cases
An individual testing positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate away from school for at least 5 full days from the day that their symptoms started or from the date of testing (whichever is earlier).
The individual may return to school after 5 days if their symptoms are fully resolved, but must continue to wear a well-fitting mask for 10 full days at all times when around others indoors.
The individual may return to school after 10 days even if they have lingering symptoms.
The Murray Independent COVID-19 Data has been updated to include grade level totals and will continue to be updated daily. It can be found here: https://www.murray.kyschools.us/alert/1607889/misd-covid-19-data
The Student COVID-19 self-check is available here: https://bit.ly/MISDselfcheck
An updated version of the MISD COVID-19 Operations Plan is available here: https://bit.ly/MISDCOVIDOperations
If you have questions please contact your child’s school.
On a regular basis, the Murray Independent District will continue to monitor COVID-19 data to determine mask protocols for students PS-12 and staff.
Thank you,
Coy D. Samons, Superintendent