Oakland School District to Allow Kids Who Test Positive for COVID-19 Back in Classrooms if They Wear a Mask

Oakland COVID-19 school protocols are being eased as thousands of students return from winter break.

In contrast to the stringent stay-at-home measures of 2020, students in the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) are now welcomed to classrooms even if they test positive for the virus. These students must wear masks, and parents are encouraged to report their health status through the district’s online reporting form. Parents and caregivers are also asked to document all COVID-related absences in accordance with their school’s standard protocols. With over 34,000 students enrolled in OUSD schools, it’s important to note that the virus is still contagious. However, the district is adapting to the evolving landscape of COVID-19.

California Department of Public Health officials attribute reduced impacts to the broader immunity from vaccination, along with the availability of effective treatments for infected individuals. The latest guidance signifies a departure from the previous 5-day isolation period recommendation following a positive COVID-19 test.

The masking mandate, initially in place until April 2022, was also lifted by the Oakland Unified School District. For those who aren’t COVID-19 positive, wearing masks at school is now optional for staff members and students.

The impact of COVID-19 on California has been significant, with widespread health, economic, and societal effects. The state experienced surges in cases, leading to strained healthcare systems and necessitating various public health measures. Thankfully, cases are much more manageable than they once were in the country as a whole.