News from the Health Team

The CDC has updated its definition of a close contact as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected individual for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. USN continues to take the most conservative approach when contact tracing.
We have received information that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has modified its definition of what constitutes a close contact. The CDC had previously defined a “close contact” as someone who spent at least 15 consecutive minutes within six feet of a confirmed coronavirus case. The updated guidance, which health departments rely on to conduct contact tracing, now defines a close contact as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected individual for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, according to a CDC statement released Wednesday, October 21.

This change sounds significant, but at USN we have already been considering the 15 minutes of contact in the context of the whole school day. Families can be assured that we are continuing our conservative approach to managing any reports of positive cases and close contacts.

We continue to advise the consistent practice of wearing masks, distancing 6 feet or more whenever possible, handwashing, and staying home when symptoms suggestive of illness occur. 

The guidelines related to COVID-19 will continue to evolve as more information comes to light, and we are working to keep up-to-date with any changes that will help our mission to keep our community at USN safe.

For more up-to-date information on public health guidance on the virus and how it is handled at USN, visit usn.org/HealthTeamFAQ.
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.