COVID-19 Coronavirus Preparedness

In accordance with Michigan Administrative Rules 325.174 and 325.175, the Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) has been identifying and reporting close contacts of COVID-positive individuals within the school community to the Lenawee County Health Department. The Lenawee County Health Department, acting under authority provided to them in Administrative Rule 325.175(4) has excluded identified close contacts from school for a period of time based on various circumstances.

This week, the Lenawee County Health Department updated its quarantine and isolation protocols. Beginning today, Friday, February 25, 2022, the LISD will no longer report close contacts of a COVID-positive individual to the Lenawee County Health Department. The LISD will however continue to conduct contact tracing to the best of its ability and will provide notice to those students (parents/guardians) and staff members who have been in close contact with a COVID-positive individual.

The Lenawee County Health Department now recommends, but does not require, close contacts to remain home from school for the following periods of time:

1. If fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the individual may return to school or work immediately.
    
2. If not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the individual is encouraged to test every other day for a period of six days or remain home from school or work for a period of five days after the close contact. 

Students and staff who have been in close contact with a COVID-positive individual are encouraged to monitor for symptoms of COVID and must remain home from school or work if developing symptoms of COVID-19. Students and staff who are a known close contact of a COVID-positive individual are also encouraged, but not required to wear a well-fitting face mask for a 10-day period after the close contact occurred.

“Close contacts” are generally defined as any individual who has been within six feet (if both parties are unmasked) for 15 minutes or more during a single 24-hour period of a COVID-positive individual while the COVID-positive individual was symptomatic or for the 48-hour period prior to the onset or symptoms or the COVID-positive individual testing positive for COVID-19. 

For additional information about the Lenawee County Health Department’s requirements and guidance on COVID-19 within the K-12 school setting, please visit the Lenawee County Health Department’s COVID-19 Schools webpage.

On January 12, 2022, the Lenawee County Health Department (“LCHD”) updated its COVID-19 isolation and quarantine requirements for schools. As a result of these updated requirements, Lenawee Intermediate School District students and staff are required to adhere to the following isolation and quarantine requirements:

Students and Staff Testing Positive for COVID-19

LISD students and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 may return to school or work on the sixth day after the COVID-19 positive test was administered provided that the following conditions are met:

1. The student or staff member’s COVID-19 symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, and congestion have gotten noticeably better.
    
2. The student or staff member must not have had a fever for at least 24 hours prior to returning to school or work without the use of fever-reducing medication.
    
3. The student or staff member must wear a face mask on days 6-10 after returning to school or work (the LCHD recommends that individuals wear a tight fitting N95, K95, or surgical mask as opposed to a cloth mask).

Students and Staff Subject to Quarantine by the LCHD as a Close Contact

LISD students and staff who are subject to quarantine by the LCHD or another health department as a close contact of a COVID-19 positive individual may return to school or work as follows:

Fully Vaccinated Students Under the Age of 18

LISD students under the age of 18 who have completed a primary COVID-19 vaccination series more than 2 weeks ago and are without symptoms of COVID-19 are not required to quarantine and may return to school immediately provided that the student wears a face mask on days 1-10 after the close contact.

Fully Vaccinated and Boosted Students and Staff

LISD students and staff who have completed a primary COVID-19 vaccination series and have received a booster shot or have completed a primary COVID-19 vaccination series within the past five months (Pfizer and Moderna) or two months (Johnson and Johnson) and are without symptoms of COVID-19 are not required to quarantine and may return to school immediately provided that the student or staff member wears a face mask on days 1-10 after the close contact.

Unvaccinated/Non-Boosted Students and Staff

Unless participating in the test-to-stay program, LISD students and staff who are unvaccinated or for whom it has been more than five months (Pfizer or Moderna) or two months (Johnson and Johnson) since the individual has completed their primary vaccination series and they are not boosted will be subject to quarantine by the LCHD for five days after the student or staff member was in close contact with the COVID-19 positive person. On the sixth day, the student or staff member may return to school/work if the individual is without symptoms and they wear a face mask for days 6-10 after the close contact.

Test-to-Stay Program for COVID-19 Close Contacts

The COVID-19 close contact test-to-stay program allows LISD students and employees who have been identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 positive individual at school and who would otherwise be subject to quarantine by the health department to continue to report to school or work subject to the following conditions: 

1. The student or employee must remain asymptomatic and not have any signs or symptoms of illness for a 14-day period following the close contact.
    
2. The student or employee must participate in daily testing for COVID-19 and must present a negative test to the LISD on days one through five after the close contact. The COVID-19 test may be a rapid antigen or rapid PCR test, however, the test must be administered by the school or a physician’s office, urgent care, pharmacy, or community testing clinic. The LISD must be provided with evidence of a negative test each day. Tests administered at home will not be accepted or considered.
    
3. The student or employee must wear a facemask while present at school or work for a period of 10 days after the close contact.
    
4. The student or employee must monitor for symptoms of illness for a period of 14 days after the close contact and must immediately begin isolating at home and should seek healthcare attention if experiencing any symptoms of illness.
    
5. By participating in the test-to-stay option, the student or employee understands, agrees, and consents to the student’s or employee’s daily test results being reported to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Lenawee County Health Department by the LISD through the Communicable Disease Reporting software (KKZO).

Students or employees who are unable to participate in the test-to-stay program due to the existence of a religious or medical exception to testing or wearing face coverings will be subject quarantine as required by the Lenawee County Health Department.

For those LISD students and staff members currently (as of January 12, 2022) subject to isolation or quarantine by the LCHD, another health department, or applicable statue, rule, or regulation, the LCHD has indicated that they do not intend to update the quarantine/isolation notice that was previously provided. Despite this, the LCHD has stated that students and staff may, as of January 12, 2022, follow these updated requirements. Thus, the LISD will recognize these updated requirements beginning on January 13, 2022, even for students and staff previously subject to isolation or quarantine.

The CDC and MDHHS recently updated quarantine guidance for the general public, shortening the quarantine and isolation duration for those who aren't vaccinated or haven't received their booster to five days followed by an additional five days of wearing a well-fitting mask around others.

Please note that this updated guidance is specific to the general public and does not change the current guidance for congregate settings, early childcare or K-12 school settings - these settings will continue to use existing guidelines and policies regarding quarantine and isolation. The LISD will continue to monitor local, state, and federal policies and updates as they are released.

The Lenawee County Health Department (“LCHD”) has released update guidance this week regarding quarantine requirements for students. This guidance allows students who have been identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 positive individual at school to continue to attend school and participate in school-sponsored activities subject to the following conditions: 

1. The student must remain asymptomatic and not have any signs or symptoms of illness for a 14-day period  following the close contact.
    
2. The student must participate in daily testing for COVID-19 and must present a negative test to the Lenawee Intermediate School District school in which the student is enrolled on days one through seven after the close contact. The COVID-19 test may be a rapid antigen or rapid PCR test, however, the test must be administered by the school or a physician’s office, urgent care, pharmacy, or community testing clinic. The school must be provided with evidence of a negative test each day. Tests administered at home will not be accepted or considered.
    
3. The student must wear a facemask while participating in school and all school-sponsored activities for a period of 10 days after the close contact.
    
4. The student must monitor for symptoms of illness for a period of 14 days after the close contact and must immediately begin isolating at home and should seek healthcare attention if experiencing any symptoms of illness.
    
5. By participating in the test-to-stay option, the student and the student’s parent/guardian understand, agree, and consent to the student’s daily test results will be reported to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the  Lenawee County Health Department by the LISD through the Communicable Disease Reporting software (KKZO).
    
6. By participating in the test-to-stay option, the student and the student’s parent/guardian understand, agree, and consent to the LISD disclosing to the Lenawee County Health Department and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services through the Communicable Disease Reporting software (KKZO) that the student is participating in the test-to-stay program as authorized by the Lenawee County Health Department.

“Close contact” is defined as having been within six feet of a COVID-19 positive person for a period of 15-minutes or more over the course of a 24-hour period. A person may be identified as a close contact if they have been within six feet of the COVID-19 positive person for 15 minutes or more over the course of a single 24-hour period beginning 48 hours before symptoms appeared or before the COVID-19 person tested positive.  
Students who do not wish to participate in the test-to-stay program and comply with the above-listed conditions of participation may be required to quarantine at home for a full, 10-day period by the Lenawee County Health Department.

Lenawee Intermediate School District Testing Options

The LISD’s School Nurse, Brittney Hauch, is available to conduct COVID-19 rapid antigen tests on LISD students (excluding LISD TECH Center students, who should pursue testing within their local school district) with parent/guardian consent. Parents/guardians should contact Brittney at Brittney.Hauch@lisd.us or 517-265-1689 to schedule an appointment.  

LISD Students Participating in Test-to-Stay Through their Local School District

The LISD will recognize and allow the continued participation in in-person school by students who are enrolled in a LISD educational program and participating in the test-to-stay program with their local school district. Students must comply with all of the conditions listed above with their local school district to continue to participate in LISD educational programs during the 10-day period following the close contact.  

Lenawee County Superintendent’s Association Message

2021-2022 School Year COVID-19 Mitigation Measures

The member districts of the Lenawee County Superintendents Association (LCSA) remain committed to helping our communities win the battle against COVID-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Lenawee County schools have adhered to all statutes and lawful orders, rules, and regulations related to the mitigation of COVID-19. Like other school districts across the state of Michigan, Lenawee County schools will continue to follow all lawful statues, orders, rules, and regulations until such time as the statute, order, rule, or regulation is determined to be unlawful or invalid. Failure to do so could expose a district to liability that may not be covered by the district’s insurance provider. Michigan law is clear that governmental organizations that comply with all federal, state, and local statutes, rules, regulations, executive orders, and agency orders related to COVID-19 are immune from liability for a COVID-19 related claim (see Section 5, PA 236 of 2020).

At the present time, this means the following:

1. Lenawee County schools will operate in-person in accordance with the typical school calendar (please check with your local school district for exact times) as required by the Michigan Department of Education. This is due, in part, to the loss of flexibility with respect to school attendance day and hour requirements from the 2020-2021 school year.
    
2. All individuals, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, must wear a face mask while boarding, riding, and disembarking a school bus (or another form of District transportation) when others are present (a driver who is alone on the school bus is not required to wear a face mask). This is required by order of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
    
3. It is strongly recommended by the CDC, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and Lenawee County Health Department that all persons, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, wear a face mask while indoors. Although strongly recommended, it is not required that any person wear a face mask inside except when on a school bus. In support of a safe and inclusive environment for all, everyone must be mindful and respectful of individual choices concerning mask decisions.
    
4. School staff and students are expected to remain home from school if exhibiting signs or symptoms of COVID-19 (or other illness) and should consult with a healthcare professional to determine if testing is warranted.
    
5. School staff and students who are subject to a mandatory quarantine or isolation by the Lenawee County Health Department (or another health department with jurisdiction) are prohibited from physically attending school during the quarantine/isolation period.
    
6. There are no current requirements for mandatory COVID-19 testing.
    
7. Lenawee County schools will continue to implement standard daily cleaning procedures and will encourage frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizers.  
    
8. COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended by the CDC, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and Lenawee County Health Department for all individuals who are eligible. There are no current requirements that any Lenawee County school staff member or student be vaccinated against COVID-19.  

We are committed to continuing to monitor local data related to COVID-19 and to continuing to work with the Lenawee County Health Department and other public health experts. We are excited to begin the 2021-2022 school year and ask for your assistance in helping us keep our students and communities safe and healthy!

This Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQ”) document was created for the purpose of providing Lenawee Intermediate School District (“LISD”) students and staff with information related to COVID-19 and the 2021-2022 school year. Information included below is subject to change as required by statute and/or lawful order, rule, or regulation.

The LISD understands that requirements regarding COVID-19-19 mitigation strategies are subject to change as conditions related to the presence, transmission, and/or severity of COVID-19 within the community change. The LISD is prepared to adapt as necessary to comply with COVID-19-related requirements. This may include lawful orders issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or Lenawee County Health Department, statutes enacted through the legislative process, and/or rules established by the Michigan Occupational Health and Safety Administration.
 

Will the LISD require COVID-19 mitigation strategies that are recommended?

The LISD will not require any COVID-19 mitigation strategies that are not required by statute and/or lawful order, rule, or regulation. This may include lawful orders issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or Lenawee County Health Department, statutes enacted through the legislative process, and/or rules established by the Michigan Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

The LISD does encourage students and staff to comply with the public health recommendations of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Lenawee County Health Department. These include, but are not limited to, wearing a face mask if you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, undergoing COVID-19 testing if you are experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms, and getting vaccinated against COVID-19 when you are able.

What COVID-19 mitigation strategies will the LISD require?

LISD students and staff are still required to stay home from school or work if experiencing any signs or symptoms of illness. This is especially true when those signs or symptoms are commonly related to COVID-19. These include: a new cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing; fever or chills; muscle or body aches; vomiting or diarrhea; and new loss of taste or smell.

LISD students and staff who have been advised that they may return to school or work by a healthcare provider are encouraged to consider wearing a face mask until such time as all signs or symptoms of illness are gone.

The LISD recognizes that many students and staff experience signs and symptoms of illness that may not be caused by an active virus or infection (for example, allergies). LISD students and staff are asked to be diligent about ensuring that symptoms are not being caused by illness. This may include monitoring for symptoms that differ from those typically experienced and/or consulting a health care provider when uncertain.

The LISD will also continue to encourage frequent hand washing or use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hand washing is not an option. The LISD will also continue to implement best practices in cleaning and sanitizing of facilities, school buses, and other vehicles.

Will I be required to wear a face mask?

In most cases, no. Face masks are no longer required to be worn in Michigan under most circumstances. One exception however is when riding on an LISD school bus with other passengers (i.e. a driver who is the lone occupant of the vehicle is not required to wear a face mask), the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires that any person on a school bus must wear a face mask regardless of vaccination status.

The LISD will not require any student or staff member to wear a face mask unless such are required by statute or lawful order, rule, or regulation. Thus, while face masks are not currently required under most circumstances, it is possible that face masks may be required at some point during the 2021-2022 school year. Any changes in the LISD’s face mask requirements will be communicated to students and staff.

Students and staff may be required to wear a face mask while participating in a learning activity or working off-site if required by the location at which the LISD student or staff member is learning or working. For example, work-based learning students working at ProMedica’s Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital will be required to wear a face mask if required by the hospital; LISD employees assigned to a local district that requires face masks (if any) will be required to wear a face mask to comply and LISD students enrolled in the JC/LISD Academy may be required to wear face masks while attending in-person college courses.

Will I be subject to quarantine and unable to attend school (or work) if I come into close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual?

Only if you are subject to quarantine by order of a local health department or other governmental agency with jurisdiction.

Michigan Administrative Rule 325.175 allows a local health officer to exclude from school attendance any individual lacking documentation of immunity or otherwise considered susceptible to disease as a mechanism for preventing the spread of communicable disease.

Will the LISD provide information to the Lenawee County Health Department about potential COVID-19 exposures occurring within the school?

The LISD will provide information to the Lenawee County Health Department about suspected COVID-19 close contacts if that information is specifically requested by the Health Department under the authority vested in them by Michigan Administrative Rule 325.174.

Am I required to complete a daily COVID-19 screener?

No. As was stated above, students and staff are required to stay home from school or work if experiencing any signs or symptoms of illness. This is especially true when those signs or symptoms are commonly related to COVID-19. These include: a new cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing; fever or chills; muscle or body aches; vomiting or diarrhea; and new loss of taste or smell.

Students and staff experiencing signs or symptoms of illness are required to report such to the school office and/or the staff member’s supervisor.

Is the LISD requiring COVID-19 vaccination?

No, the LISD is not requiring students or staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Michigan’s Revised School Code requires students to be vaccinated (subject to certain exceptions) against diseases specified by the director of the department of community health (MCL 380.1177). At the present time, the COVID-19 vaccine is not required by the director of the department of community health as a condition to enter school.

Will the LISD provide any virtual learning options for students during the 2021-2022 school year?

In most cases, no. The LISD is planning for student instruction to be in-person during the 2021-2022 school year. There may be unique circumstances that necessitate the consideration of virtual or other distance-learning options, but this will be done on a case-by-case basis and only when necessary and feasible.

I am concerned about COVID-19, what can I do to protect myself?

If you are eligible to be vaccinated, you can get vaccinated against COVID-19. For additional information about vaccination, please contact your healthcare provider or the Lenawee County Health Department.

Any student or staff member may choose to wear a face mask at any time while on LISD property. Other LISD students and staff must be respectful of those who choose to wear a face mask.

Individuals can continue to take steps to physically distance themselves from others to the extent feasible.

If I am forced to miss work due to being positive for COVID-19 or due to a mandatory quarantine as a close contact, will I be paid?

The Federal Paid Sick Leave Act and expanded Family and Medical Leave Act expired at the end of December 2020. Despite this, the LISD continued to provide LISD employees with paid time off for COVID-related reasons through the end of the 2020-2021 school year without such impacting the employee’s accumulated, paid leave time.
Since the end of the 2020-2021 school year and going forward, LISD employees who are required to miss work for COVID-19 related reasons will need to utilize paid leave time (sick, vacation, or personal) that is available to the employee through their employment contract or terms of employment with the LISD. Furthermore, in some instances, employee leave for COVID-19 related reasons may also qualify under the Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”).

There may be unique circumstances where an individual employee’s COVID-19 related leave would be handled differently, but this will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Will I be required to be COVID-19 tested for any reason?

The LISD is not aware of any requirements that would mandate LISD student or staff testing for COVID-19, however, there may be some circumstances where a work-based learning student who is placed in a healthcare-related environment may be required to undergo COVID-19 testing. COVID-19 testing should be performed if your healthcare provider suspects that you may be positive for COVID-19.

I am COVID-19 positive, but fully vaccinated and asymptomatic, am I required to stay home from school or work?

Yes. The Lenawee County Health Department is requiring that individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status and/or whether or not the COVID-19 positive individual is symptomatic self-isolate for at least 10 days from the date of the positive COVID-19 test.

Would the LISD consider not requiring something that is required by statute and/or a lawful order, rule, or regulation?

No. The failure on the part of the LISD to adhere to applicable statute, lawful order, rule, or regulation might expose the District and District officials to fines and other penalties, while also exposing the District to liability that may not be covered by the District’s insurance provider. Michigan law is clear that governmental organizations that comply with all federal, state, and local statutes, rules, regulations, executive orders, and agency orders related to COVID-19 are immune from liability for a COVID-19 related claim (see Section 5, PA 236 of 2020).

What facility-related improvements have been undertaken by the LISD to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19?

Last year, the LISD implemented enhanced cleaning procedures that focused on more frequent cleaning and sanitizing of high-touch/high traffic areas. This will continue to the extent feasible during the 2021-2022 school year.

The LISD has also made improvements to its HVAC systems in each building to increase outdoor airflow into buildings. Additionally, as HVAC systems are upgraded, the LISD is integrating enhanced air filtration and has made other improvements to maximize airflow and outdoor air exchange. Air purifiers have also been deployed in areas throughout the District.

Updated 06-16-2021

LISD COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan (Workplace)

This COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan (hereinafter, “Plan”) was developed in accordance with the requirements of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration Emergency Rules related to COVID-19 dated October 14, 2020, which requires employers to develop and implement a written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan, consistent with the current guidance for COVID-19 from the US Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) and recommendations in “Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, developed by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (“OSHA”).

In accordance with several of Michigan Governor Whitmer's Executive Orders, along with guidance provided by the Lenawee County Health Department, individuals are required to complete a COVID-19 screening questionnaire prior to accessing a LISD building each time Prior to accessing a LISD building each time (in the case of employees or contracted service providers, prior to beginning the work day.

LISD COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire

Employee Quick Reference Guide - When to Stay Home from Work

Screening Questionnaire (Print Version)

Original Post 08-26-2020
Updated 05-14-2021

At the direction of the Lenawee County Health Department, the LISD is requiring that all parents/guardians of a LISD student sign a COVID-19 daily screening agreement, which indicates that the parent/guardian (or, if developmentally appropriate, student) will conduct a daily at-home screening. A copy of the daily screener agreement is linked below. Please complete the agreement and return it to your child’s LISD school/educational program at your earliest convenience. Additionally, we’ve linked a Quick Reference Guide to help determine when a student should stay home from school and when the student will be able to return to school.

Students who answer yes to any one of the screening questions must be kept home from school, and the parent/guardian should call the school to let them know why their child will be absent.  If they are symptomatic or if they have had contact with a COVID-19 individual, the parent/guardian should also call their healthcare provider right away to determine if testing is needed. If they do not have a healthcare provider, they may contact the Lenawee County Health Department at (517) 264-5226, Option 5 to speak with a Public Health Nurse.

Finally, the LISD is working to implement a screening application that will be available for student use via the internet and/or a downloadable app. This will require parents/guardians to complete the daily screening process through the use of that tool. Additional information will be shared as soon as that application is available for use.

Student Daily Screening Agreement - 2020-2021 School Year

Student Quick Reference Guide - When to Stay Home from School

Important information for parents or guardians of students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch at Milton C. porter Education Center

What is the Pandemic-EBT Program?

The Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) Program gives food benefits to families with children who were not able to get free or reduced-price school meals due to COVID.  You may hear about this benefit from other schools or in the media. 

Who is eligible?

Being eligible for this program will depend on what school your student attends. Eligibility for the Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) Program can be different between schools within the same district. 

What makes a school eligible for P-EBT?

A school building is eligible only if the building has had 5 school days in a row of reduced in-person hours due to COVID.   

What could make my student eligible for P-EBT?

1. If the school they attend is eligible for P-EBT and
2. If your student normally gets free and reduced meals at school and
3. If your student is not getting instruction in-person for some or all the month. 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issues P-EBT benefits based on:

• How each school building reports their eligibility
• How most of the students attend school during the month 

There may be months when your student’s attendance was different from what the school reported.  In that case, you may be able to have your student’s benefit level reconsidered. Your request to be reconsidered must be submitted by June 30, 2021. In the month(s) below your school reported primarily in-person.  Your student(s) may be P-EBT eligible if they attended class on-line, for some time or all the time in the following month(s):  September 2020, October 2020, November 2020, January 2021, March 2021, and/or April 2021 

For more information, visit  Michigan's P-EBT website or call 1-833-905-0028.

View archived information and updates related to COVID-19 from the 2019-2020 school year.

View archived information and updates related to COVID-19 from the 2019-2020 school year.