NYC Public Schools End Mandatory 5-Day COVID Isolation

New York City schools have updated their COVID-19 policies, eliminating the five-day isolation requirement for students who test positive, in line with recent CDC guidance.

• New York City students who test positive for COVID-19 are no longer required to isolate for five days, following an update to the city's education policies.
• The new guidelines advise students with symptoms to stay home until they improve and are fever-free for 24 hours without medication, similar to protocols for other respiratory infections.
• Students without symptoms can return to school but are encouraged to take precautions such as wearing a mask and social distancing for at least five days.
• The change reflects a broader shift in treating COVID-19 more like other respiratory viruses, with a focus on symptom management rather than strict isolation.
• COVID-19 vaccines remain highly recommended for students, though not mandatory, and schools will continue to provide tests upon request.

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