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Some Martin County parents upset with existing quarantine policy for students

'Sending home people that aren't sick ... is really just a persecution,' parent says
Posted at 9:45 PM, Aug 04, 2021
and last updated 2021-08-04 23:48:07-04

STUART, Fla. — Some Martin County parents are questioning the existing quarantine policy set in place by the local health department.

"We've known in the last week or two, the children or people that are vaccinated can get COVID and can pass it on," said parent Lisa Miller.

"Sending home people that aren't sick, that aren't showing symptoms, that just might have passed by or sat next to somebody that has COVID, is really just a persecution," said parent Catherine O'Connor.

Currently, vaccinated students and staff who are exposed to a positive case can remain at school as long as they are asymptomatic.

Unvaccinated students and staff must sit out for 10 days, even if they are symptom-free.

"It's negatively affecting his education and this year there is no virtual option," said Miller.

Students under quarantine can return to school on day eight if they present a negative rapid test taken on either day six or day seven.

Officials with the Florida Department of Health in Martin County were unavailable for an interview Wednesday but said they are awaiting new guidance from the state.

The first day of school is set for Aug. 11.

"I would hope to see that they only send kids home if they are sick," said Miller.