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2022-2023 Frequently Asked Questions about COVID 19 Protocols and Procedures

DePaul College Prep follows a clearly defined set of COVID 19 protocols and procedures,  all of which  are designed to protect the health and well-being of our students, faculty and our entire school community. Because of this we have been able to meet our goal of  having an uninterrupted year of education for our students paired with the ability to hold extracurricular activities that allow students to socialize and build relationships. Our protocols are enforced from the first day of school. 

Our approach to management of COVID 19 is rooted in guidance from the CDC, IDPH, ISBE and the City of Chicago. We regularly monitor our city-wide and regional data as well as data for the state of Illinois and use this data to inform our decisions about each component of our COVID 19 planning and approach. 

Please review the following Questions and Answers to commonly asked questions about our approach to COVID 19.

Is proof of vaccination status required?

  • Yes. All vaccination status information must be input into our Magnus database by August 23rd. Please be sure to upload a new photo of your child’s card if your student has received a booster. 
  • If your student is unvaccinated, please indicate this on the COVID vaccination card document in our Magnus database.
  • Parents must also upload proof of all immunizations required by the Illinois State Board of Education no later than August 23.  

Are masks required at DePaul Prep?

  • Masks are recommended but not required for students in general. Students who have been exposed to COVID will be required to mask for 10 days.
  • Masks will be required in the school nurse’s office.   
  • Chicago is in a medium transmission phase now (August 31, 2022)  and masking is recommended for indoor public areas, such as a school.
  • If transmission rate in our school becomes significant, defined as greater than 5% of our population, masking would be required for a period of time to reduce the spread of COVID 19. 

Is DePaul Prep testing for COVID-19 this year?

  • Weekly testing will not be provided by DePaul Prep at the start of the year.  However, DePaul Prep reserves the right to require testing if a surge or outbreak occurs.  
  • Testing after Christmas break will be mandatory for all unvaccinated students and voluntary for vaccinated students.  The tentative date for the testing clinic will be January 9, 2023.   

What is the quarantine requirement?

  • If a student tests positive for COVID, regardless of vaccination status, they are required to quarantine for 5 days at home plus wear a mask for 5 days at school and during co-curriculars, including athletics.
  • Unvaccinated students traveling to high level states or countries should quarantine for 5 days and test on days 3-5 after return from travel. Please refer to the Chicago Department of Public Health Travel Advisory for states and countries with high levels of transmission. 

What happens if a student has COVID-19 symptoms?

  • All students with COVID-19 symptoms should remain home.
  • If a student is in school, they will be sent home.

What should I do if my student is exposed to someone with COVID 19?

  • The CDC no longer requires those who have been exposed to COVID 19 to quarantine. However, if your student is a close contact of a student or faculty or staff member who tests positive, they will be required to mask for 10 days and test on Day 6 of this 10 day period. Students will be allowed to attend school during this 10 day period and do not have to quarantine. Please see this CDC guidance for more information. 

What happens if a student tests positive for COVID 19?

  • Use the Google Form for reporting positive cases confirmed with a test - Positive COVID Test Reporting 

  • Notify the attendance line of absence due to COVID 19. There is no need to personally notify the teachers and the student will be marked as an excused absence. Students may contact the teachers for work assignments.

Will DePaul Prep conduct contract tracing this year?

  • Based on August 24, 2022 guidance from the CDC, DePaul Prep will now resume contact tracing, effective Wednesday, August 31, 2022. 

Will DePaul College Prep offer COVID-19 and booster clinics?

  • At this time we are not offering any clinics.