ODH is no longer asking K-12 schools and local health departments to contact trace after each positive coronavirus case at school, instead outlining a new policy in a Wednesday memo that requires contact tracing only for clusters of outbreaks.
“The quick spread of the omicron variant and its rapid clinical course, in fact, have made universal contact tracing, case investigation and exposure notifications impractical and less impactful than taking a more targeted approach,” said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, Ohio Department of Health director on Thursday, in a press conference during which he explained the change.
“The reality was, there was virtually no school that was able to universally contact trace students all across their district,” Vanderhoff said. “So that’s the focus of the change. The important elements of safety, though, remain in place.” Before the Mask to Stay, Test to Play guidance, Ohio kids were sent home after exposure, meaning parents had to take time off work.Leaders of national heath groups have advocated a pivot away from universal contact tracing, and many states are moving in the direction of contact tracing only when there are clusters of outbreaks, Vanderhoff said. While omicron prompted the new contact tracing guidance, it’s unclear what future variants will look like and whether they will spread differently.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pac-12 football scheduling: Brigham Young’s move to the Big 12 could be highly problematicThe Cougars are an ideal non-conference opponent for the Pac-12 but will have limited opportunities once they join the Big 12.
Read more »
Latest snowstorm forecast predicts 8 to 12 inches of snow across eastern counties, big cutoffForecasters say the nor'easter is likely to intensify into a powerful 'bomb cyclone,' but many details remain uncertain.
Read more »
12 Abandoned Film Sets You Can Visit In Real LifeThese film sets were left standing — and now they’re amazing tourist destinations:
Read more »
4 Hours, 12 Panelists, One Baby: Inside the Inaugural Boss Baby SymposiumThe virtual event went surprisingly deep on the film it called “thematically richer than the Bible and more confusing than Ulysses.”
Read more »
Death toll from tropical storm Ana in Mozambique, Malawi rises to 12The death toll from tropical storm Ana has risen to at least 12 in Mozambique and Malawi, authorities said, although officials and aid agencies are still assessing the full impact of the storm that swept through southern Africa on Monday.
Read more »
Highlighted by Texas-Alabama, next season’s Big 12 non-conference slate provides plenty of intrigueExpect to hear a lot about the 2010 BCS title game next season. Texas will be hosting Alabama, with the two bluebloods meeting for the first since the...
Read more »