General COVID Information

Lancaster School District is committed to safely serving our students, while helping to ensure the health and well-being of those on our campuses. We follow the California State Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) guidelines for COVID-19.

Updated Guidelines 

The LACDPH and CDPH announced updates in January 2024 to isolation and testing guidelines lines. The revised guidelines, which apply to schools, childcare settings, and most workplaces, reflect a change in the public health landscape and are focused on those most at risk of severe illness while minimizing disruptions to schools and workplaces. As COVID-19 has entered an endemic state, it is now similar to other respiratory viruses such as RSV and Flu.  Although Californians are reminded to take preventative and protective measures for all respiratory infections, including influenza and RSV, officials say widespread vaccination and available treatments have reduced the impact of COVID-19. Throughout this pandemic, we have learned new tools and behaviors to keep ourselves and others healthy and safe.

The updated guidelines emphasize a more flexible, symptom-based approach similar to other illnesses. Instead of staying home for a minimum of 5 days, individuals may return to work or school if their symptoms are mild and improving, and they have not had a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. Masking recommendations of 10 days for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have respiratory symptoms have not changed.  

Those with COVID-19 Who Have Symptoms:

Staff and students with COVID-19 must stay home and away from others if symptomatic and/or with fever. Isolation can end when both of the following criteria are met:

• Have not had a fever for 24 hours without taking medication that reduces fevers AND
• Other symptoms are not present or are mild and improving.

A person leaving isolation prior to 10 days from the date of a positive test and/or onset of symptoms is required to wear a mask when around others for 10 days. It is strongly recommended that an individual test for COVID-19 prior to ending isolation and extend isolation until day 10 if they continue to test positive.

Those with COVID-19 Without Symptoms:

• Staff and students with COVID-19 who do not have symptoms are not required to isolate only if wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask in all settings when around others, for 10 days after first testing positive.
  

COVID Testing

There are many locations in the Antelope Valley to get a free COVID test in addition to your family doctor.  You can learn more about these free locations by clicking here. The school also has available Antigen Rapid Tests that you may administer to your child at home. If you or your child are displaying COVID-19 symptoms, please do NOT send your child to school until everyone is healthy. It is advisable that you consider getting tested as soon as possible and follow all isolation and quarantine policies recommended by your health care provider and/or Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Testing and masking are vital tools that we can all use to protect ourselves and those around us.

Classroom Conditions

All classroom ventilation systems have upgraded filtration, and we’ve installed a size-appropriate portable HEPA filter for an extra layer of protection for all in the classrooms.  Additionally, please be assured that classrooms, restrooms, and offices are thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis. 

For more information on any of the above-mentioned COVID-19 Safety Protocols, please go to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health COVID-19 webpage.