Going to Disney World for spring break? CPS students, staff have to test negative or quarantine before going back to school

Chicago Public Schools families or staff looking to skip town to certain states for spring break next week should get tested by mid-week or be prepared to stay home for remote learning when they return.

“Many families will be traveling during this time,” CPS CEO Janice Jackson said at this week’s virtual Board of Education meeting. “So I want to remind everyone that CPS is continuing to follow the city of Chicago’s emergency travel order.”

Adults who have been vaccinated are exempt from the travel order as long as they don’t have COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone else traveling to states on Chicago’s “orange” advisory list — including students and any unvaccinated teachers or support staff — needs to meet certain requirements before heading back to classrooms.

No Midwestern states are on the orange list other than Michigan and Minnesota, while vacation spots like Florida, Colorado and every state on the east coast are.

“Before entering any CPS facility, anyone who has traveled out of state, including children under the age of 18, must obtain a negative COVID test 72 hours before returning to Chicago, or they must quarantine for 10 calendar days upon return,” Jackson said.

The city also advises against any non-essential travel — even to states like Wisconsin and Indiana which have recently been removed from advisory list.

“We want everyone in our school community to have fun and a relaxing break, we all deserve it. But we encourage you to continue to be safe by wearing masks, continue to practice social distancing, washing your hands and taking every necessary precaution to stay healthy and safe.”