Outbreak Definition and response
This definition is provided by the Department of Health and aligns with national standards based on the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) definition.
- Multiple COVID-19 cases from positive viral tests comprising at least 10% of students, teachers, or staff within a specified core group* -OR-
- At least 3 cases within a specified core group* meeting criteria for a COVID-19 case from a positive viral test; -AND- the following three criteria are met:
Cases have a symptom onset or positive test result within 14 days of each other,
-AND-
There is no evidence that transmission was more likely to have occurred in another setting (e.g., household or outside social contact) outside of the school or child care,
-AND-
Cases were epidemiologically linked** in the school or child care setting or a school or child care-sanctioned extracurricular activity***.
*A “core group” includes but is not limited to an extracurricular activity3, cohort group, classroom, before/after school care, etc.
**All groups of 10% or 3 cases within a specified core group that meet criteria and will be presumed to have an epi-link and must be reported to the LHJ as a suspected outbreak. The LHJ will make the final determination for classifying an outbreak.
***A school- or child care-sanctioned extracurricular activity is defined as a voluntary activity sponsored by the school, local education agency (LEA), organization sanctioned by the LEA, or child care. Extracurricular activities include, but are not limited to, preparation for and involvement in public performances, contests, athletic competitions, demonstrations, displays,
and club activities.
Response
Clusters and outbreaks represent situations in a school setting where, in coordination with local public health, enhanced mitigation efforts should be considered, and may be required, to prevent disease transmission.