Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health releases updated guidance for early childhood and K-12 school settings on the identification of positive cases, identification of close contacts, and quarantine in school settings. The guidance, which was approved by local health officers, is offered with the recognition of the importance of maintaining both in-person learning for children and the safety and well-being of all students, staff, and educators in Douglas County.  

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health supports a layered mitigation strategy to allow for in-person education and prevention of COVID-19 transmission with an emphasis on proper and consistent mask wearing across all school settings, consistent social distancing of at least 3 feet, and receipt of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as appropriate and recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

The in-school guidance for early childhood, schools, and school districts in Douglas County is a public health recommendation and not a requirement. Ultimately, it is at the discretion of the school and/or school district or early childhood setting to approve which option will work best for their schools and/or school district or early childhood setting dependent on other issues, such as staffing, resources or spacing availability.