HOPE – As the Hope Public Schools continued Monday in virtual mode, HPS Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Crossley reminded parents and students to adhere to common-sense guidance regarding “close contact” with COVID-19 once students return to class Jan. 13.

“This message serves as a brief reminder of guidelines for COVID-19 positive case and persons who are symptomatic and being tested for COVID-19,” Dr. Crossley said.

He emphasized six key points for parents and students:

“●  If your student(s) is being tested because they are symptomatic, do not send your student(s) back to school with a pending PCR test. Please keep them home until you are notified of results.

●  10 days isolation for ALL positive cases.

●  10 days quarantine for unvaccinated students documented to not wear their mask correctly.

●  10 days quarantine for students with positive case within their home unless fully vaccinated and/or the positive person is isolated from them.

●  In order to be considered fully vaccinated, you must receive the booster for COVID-19 if your timeline has expired from the original dose(s). Remember, it is 5 months for both Moderna and Pfizer; it is 2 months for Johnson and Johnson.

●  You can make your appointment with the Bobcat Clinic for this Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Also, boosters are available at most pharmacies. Please make your appointment ASAP if you are interested in being fully vaccinated. Book your appointment at the Bobcat Clinic: 870-722-2733, ext. 2.

“Thank you for being flexible during this time,” Crossley said. “Our collective vigilance will help us combat the spread. The majority of quarantines for the future will be five days with the expectation that students and staff wear masks.”

HPS students have been pivoted to virtual instruction since Jan. 6.