MT. VERNON, IL — As Illinois goes through another surge in COVID-19 cases, state officials are cutting the recommended quarantine time for teachers and students in half.

The Illinois State Board of Education said effective immediately, the state will follow the Center for Disease Control’s guidance on shortening isolation and quarantine periods from 10 to 5 days. The guidance applies to all public and nonpublic schools that serve students in Pre-K through 12th grade. In addition, students and staff who test positive must continue to wear a mask around others for five more days after returning to school.

Superintendent of Mt. Vernon Township High School Melanie Andrews says despite all the obstacles, she’s thankful for her staff because without them, the systems and protocols in place would break down.

ISBE currently has a test-to-stay policy in place. The program allows a student who was in contact with a positive case to avoid quarantine as long as they are asymptomatic.