Updated Quarantine Policy for Child, Youth services

  • Published
  • 341st Missile Wing
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  A policy applying to children that attend the Child Development Center and Youth Programs has been updated as of Sept. 17, 2021.

The policy aligns with the local City-County Health Department and provides clarity for Malmstrom families.

In coordination with the 341st Medical Group Public Health flight, the COVID-19 policy has been adjusted to shorten the child quarantine timeframe on Malmstrom facilities to seven days with a negative COVID-19 test, or 10 days without a test.

This adjustment adds enhanced flexibility, creates broader options and support for families, and enables mission readiness and execution, according to the memorandum.

Quarantine Length
Unvaccinated children who are identified as in ‘direct contact’ with a COVID-positive individual will enter quarantine. Quarantine times begin after the last day of exposure as determined by Public Health.

Effective immediately, parents or guardians have two quarantine options available that may best suit their needs. Shortening to 10 days is consistent with CCHD, the local school district and with the Center for Disease Control recommendations.

The standard quarantine option allows parents or guardians to retain the option of quarantining their child for a full 10 days from last day of exposure, and return on the 11th day.

The shortened quarantine option allows quarantine to be shortened to seven days from last day of exposure, if a child has a negative COVID polymerase chain reaction test. The child may be scheduled for a COVID test on the 5th day of quarantine and will be released from quarantine status once a negative result is received after the 7th day. The earliest they can return to the CDC is on day eight. The parent or guardian of the child is required to show proof of a negative COVID PCR test to return to care. This option is not available for children who test positive for COVID-19.

An exception is made if a child over the age of 12 is fully vaccinated (complete vaccine series and two weeks after second dose). The child does not need to quarantine unless they are symptomatic. A test at five days after exposure is still recommended and a use of mask is required for a period of 14 days following exposure.

In accordance with Malmstrom Youth Supervision Guidelines, children under the age of 12 must have a parent or guardian remain home with them at all times during the quarantine period. Children above the age of 12 are permitted to remain at home alone, but must have access to adult assistance.

Children who are in quarantine are not at risk of losing their child care spaces and will not be charged for the days they are in quarantine. If at any time the child develops symptoms, regardless of vaccination status or days in quarantine or restriction-of-movement, immediately self-isolate and contact a healthcare provider.

For any questions regarding the policy, contact the chief of Child and Youth Services at (406) 731-7048.