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​​COVID-19 Resources for Schools

Updated 1/24/2024

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) continues to encourage schools to refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools and Early Care and Education Programs to Support Safe In-Person Learning to prepare for the upcoming school year. 

The CDC guidance highlights the importance of public health prevention strategies to support safe, in-person learning. Schools should continue to utilize prevention strategies such as encouraging vaccination, staying home when sick, testing, ventilation, and handwashing to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. 

For additional vaccination information, schools are advised to review the latest CDC guidance, Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC

School leaders can use the CDC's COVID-19 hospital admission levels to understand the impact of COVID-19 in their community. Additional community-level indicators that might be considered for use in decision-making about COVID-19 prevention are pediatric hospitalizations, results from wastewater surveillance, or other local information. 

Any individual who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of symptoms, should isolate at home in accordance with CDC guidance. After the isolation period, individuals should wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask when around other people following the timeline outlined in the CDC guidance. CDC no longer recommends quarantine for individuals who are exposed to a positive case of COVID-19. 

Schools within a county or municipal health department (CMHD) jurisdiction should work with their local health department when responding to cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 in a school setting. 

Schools are required to report outbreaks to DOH to help us understand the spread of COVID-19 in schools. Outbreaks/suspected outbreaks can be reported to DOH by contacting 1-877-PA-HEALTH.  

DOH continues to provide public health consultation on general COVID-19 related issues or concerns.  Schools in need of urgent technical assistance or public health consultation, should continue to contact DOH at RA-DHK12Epi@pa.gov

Guidance & Information

General Guidance & Information

Responding to Cases in K-12 Schools

K-12 School Testing

Vaccination