Ken McLemore

HOPE – On-site instruction will resume Wednesday, Feb. 24, on all Hope Public Schools campuses for all non-virtual studies students after a week of weather-induced virtual learning.

The return to campuses comes as a citywide boil water order in Hope was lifted Tuesday, and changes in quarantine guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention go into effect as adopted by the Hope Public Schools Board.

“We look forward to having a regular school day, as much as regular can be right now,” HPS Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hart said Tuesday.

Dr. Hart said water lines at all HPS campuses were to be flow flushed Tuesday to comply with the resumption of water usage as recommended by Hope Water and Light. He said normal water usage on campus is anticipated afterwards.

The HPS Board adopted CDC guidance during its regular meeting Monday that will change the quarantine protocol for HPS personnel who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

The policy change reflects CDC guidance that vaccinated persons with Close Contact exposure to someone with confirmed COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they meet the following criteria:

--Are fully vaccinated (two vaccine dosages, with the last dosage taken within two weeks of the exposure).

--Have shown no COVID-19 symptoms since the exposure.

--Exposure is not more than 90 days after the last required dosage.

“Fully vaccinated persons who do not quarantine should still watch for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following an exposure, and should be clinically evaluated for COVID-19 if indicated,” the CDC said.

The CDC said vaccinated persons should continue to follow current protocols, including:

--Wearing a mask.

--Practicing social distancing.

--Avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

--Covering coughs and sneezes.

--Washing hands frequently.

--Limiting unnecessary travel.