The CDC is streamlining its COVID-19 guidance to help people better understand their risk, how to protect themselves and others and what actions they need to take if they are exposed or test positive for the virus.

According to the CDC, there is significantly less risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death compared to earlier in the pandemic.

Fayetteville City Schools’ protocol mirrors the latest CDC guidelines, recommending that instead of quarantining if you were exposed to COVID-19, you wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5.

If you test positive for COVID-19, CDC suggests that you stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days, according to the CDC. Wear a high-quality mask when you must be around others at home and in public.

If after 5 days you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication and your symptoms are improving, or if you never had symptoms, you may end isolation after day 5. You should wear a high-quality mask through day 10.

Fayetteville City Schools’ protocol calls for treating COVID-19 the same as you would for flu-like symptoms – you can return to school or work when you are symptom free and 24-hours fever free. While FCS does not mandate wearing a mask upon returning to school, we recommend wearing a high-quality mask for 5 days in accordance with CDC guidelines.

It should be noted that FCS guidelines are subject to change, based on CDC recommendations.

The Lincoln County Health Department has free COVID rapid home tests which are available as “grab and go” during normal operating hours in the lobby of the health department, located at 1000 Washington Street West, Suite A, in Fayetteville.