State leaders give guidance on reopening schools safety

INDIANAPOLIS — Following the announcement of a mask mandate beginning July 27, state leaders offered guidance for safely reopening schools this fall.

While Gov. Holcomb said it's up to individual school districts to make decisions about the school year, here are some suggestions for when students return. 

RELATED: Gov. Holcomb to sign statewide mask mandate

Mask-use in schools is required for for grades three and up, faculty and staff, volunteers and anyone else in schools.

• Masks are also required for co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, with exceptions for strenuous physical activity.
• All students must wear a mask while on the bus.

The state recommends schools should use the following to minimize the spread and exposure:

• Space desks as far as possible facing in the same direction
• Cohort younger students into pods
• Hand washing and disinfecting
• Plan schedules so that a minimum number of students are close contacts
• Do not conduct birthday parties or other events that put students in close contact
• Isolate and send home any person who develops symptoms

When a student or adult in school tests positive, the following actions will take place:

• In a classroom, identify who spent more than 15 minutes within 6 feet of the person for the 48 hours prior to symptoms or a positive test (for an asymptomatic person).
• Close contacts will be asked to quarantine at home for 14 days and will be monitored and guided by the local health department and the state's centralized contact tracing center.
• If any close contacts test positive, the process begins again
• If cohorting and assigned seating has not been been possible, such as for pre-kindergarten through second grade, an entire classroom may need to be quarantined.

A pod will be closed after one confirmed case and a classroom closed after two confirmed cases.

Schools will be allowed to determine for themselves how and when to do in school or virtual learning.

Exceptions will be made for medical purposes. strenuous physical activity, eating and drinking. Masks will be strongly recommended for those ages two to seven.