OKCPS Announces Updated COVID-19 Guidance

When staff and students return to school on Jan. 3 and 4, Oklahoma City Public Schools said they will be required to wear a mask, unless a previous exemption has been issued.

The new protocols are in direct response to changes the Centers for Disease Control made to its guidelines Monday.

If you test positive for the virus, you are required to isolate regardless of vaccination status for five days. The isolation period was previously 10 days.

If you are not experiencing symptoms or your symptoms are gone after five days, you can leave your house. OKCPS also asks that you wear a mask around other people for an additional five days.

If you've been exposed to someone with the virus, the district said you should either wear a mask around others for 10 days and test on the fifth day, if you are vaccinated.

If you are not vaccinated, you must stay home for five days, continue to wear a mask around others for five additional days and test on the fifth day.

If you develop symptoms, take a COVID test and stay home.

OKCPS will also provide masks to anyone who needs one.

While students and staff are still on winter break, district superintendent Dr. Sean McDaniel urges everyone to continue to report positive test results by calling their school. This is to help the district make plans for the spring semester.

In addition to the Omicron variant, it is also cold and flu season. Don't chance it, the district said. Kids should stay home if they are sick.

Testing is available at a number of OKCPS schools from Monday through Friday.