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Symptomatic student with a negative rapid test: no quarantine of close contacts, but exceptions based on a follow-up PCR test

If a student with COVID-19 symptoms tests negative on the rapid test, it is recommended that the student follow up with a PCR test. 

• While awaiting the results of the PCR test, close contacts do not need to quarantine.

• If the PCR test is negative, close contacts do not need to quarantine. 

• If the PCR test is positive, unvaccinated close contacts will need to quarantine. 

If a parent does not consent to the rapid test for their child, or follow-up PCR test, unvaccinated close contacts of the child will not be required to quarantine unless the symptomatic child has had a known exposure to COVID-19 or if the level of exposure cannot be reliably confirmed. DHHS has indicated that based on the rapid tests to date they “expect that this circumstance will not arise often.”    

Symptomatic student with a positive rapid test: unvaccinated close contacts must quarantine for 10 days

If a student with COVID-19 symptoms tests positive on the rapid test, unvaccinated students who were in close contact with the symptomatic student will be required to quarantine for 10 days. Unvaccinated students who have been identified as close contacts to a confirmed COVID-19 case must complete the full 10-day quarantine and may not test out and return prior to completing the full 10 days. 

COVID-19 Rapid Testing and Quarantine Guidelines Process Map (Oct. 1, 2021)

Visit the MCPS Reopening 2021 Site for more information.