Changes to quarantine procedures go into effect Nov. 15

With COVID-19 vaccines readily available and the majority of district employees being fully vaccinated against the virus, employees are reminded that Dallas ISD is making changes to its quarantine procedures. Starting Nov. 15, the district will no longer offer paid quarantine leave for unvaccinated employees who have had close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

Employees who have had close contact with someone who tested positive must still follow established reporting procedures. Depending on individual specifics of the COVID exposure, if an employee who is not vaccinated comes into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and is required to quarantine, the time used will be deducted from the employee’s paid time off (PTO) balance.

Unvaccinated staff who are deemed a close contact are required to be quarantined and will be unable to report to the work environment for at least 7 days with a negative COVID test on day 5, 6 or 7.

Employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are not required to quarantine after a close contact with someone who has tested positive unless otherwise directed by a medical professional, Health Services Department or government agency. Employees who are symptomatic or experiencing a breakthrough infection can apply for local EPSL in which they may receive up to 10 paid days of leave.

Prior to the wide availability to the COVID-19 vaccine, quarantining exposed, symptomatic, or COVID-positive individuals was the main course of action for mitigating the spread of COVID-19.  This resulted in a large loss of human capital both in the classroom and in campus support services such as Central Operations and Central Business Services.

During the height of the pandemic and in the best interest of the safety and health of students and staff, quarantine periods of 10 or 14 days were approved based on CDC guidance. During the 2020-2021 school year, data shows that over 7,100 employees were quarantined for at least one time and almost 1,200 employees quarantined multiple times, resulting in almost 55,000 days of quarantine. Many of the close contacts that led to the quarantine outside of the work setting at night, weekends and holidays.