Definition of Outbreak:

• Five or more cases of COVID-19, of which at least one case has had a positive molecular amplification test or antigen test, among students, teachers, and/or staff from separate households with onset within 14 days in a single classroom/activity or other close contact in the school setting (including transportation to or from school affiliated events)

OR

• 10% of classrooms in a school are impacted by COVID-19 cases
• If 10% of students or staff within a classroom/activity report COVID-19 symptoms, LCDHE may require the implementation of mitigation strategies including universal masking, contact tracing, quarantine of close contacts, weekly testing, and/or distancing within the affected classroom/activity prior to reaching pre-outbreak or outbreak status.

Outbreak status means that health officials with LCDHE will monitor even more carefully for any cases at that school. The following schools are currently designated as outbreak locations (date of outbreak designation):

• None at this time 

Close contact definition in a routine classroom setting:

• Being within 3 feet for > 15 minutes cumulatively in a 24-hour period;
• Having direct contact with a positive case for any duration;
• Being identified as a close contact based on public health investigation
• Quarantines will generally not be required when exposures occur in a routine classroom setting unless the school is in pre-outbreak or outbreak status. 

If a school is in a pre-outbreak status, quarantines will be required for all students, staff and teachers who meet close contact definition unless they meet one of the following criteria:

• Fully vaccinated (two weeks have passed since receiving one dose of J&J or the second dose of Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines)
• Previously tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days using a molecular or antigen test (not antibody test) collected by a trained medical professional. Antibody tests do not meet this criteria.
• Participating in weekly screening testing
• Both parties wearing a mask at the time of exposure

If a school is in an outbreak status, quarantines will be required for all students, staff and teachers who meet close contact definition and do not meet either of the following criteria:

• Fully vaccinated (two weeks have passed since receiving one dose of J&J or the second dose of Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines)
• Previously tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days using a molecular or antigen test (not antibody test) collected by a trained medical professional. Antibody tests do not meet this criteria.

Please note: For schools in an outbreak status, participating in weekly serial testing, and both individuals (ill and exposed) being masked at the time of exposure are not considered exemptions from quarantine.

• Confirmed case – Someone who has tested positive for COVID-19; can be Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or rapid test. (NOT an antibody test)

• Probable case – Someone who has had known close contact with a confirmed case and has at least one critical/major (loss of taste smell, new or worsening cough, fever, shortness of breath) or two minor symptoms (runny nose, headache, nausea, muscle or body aches, etc.) and does not have a negative PCR test for COVID-19.

Larimer County COVID-19 Dashboard

CDC COVID-19 Website