Medical protocols update: Sept. 14

As the second week of school begins, the district continues to receive updates on practices, protocols, and safety measures that will ensure the well being of our students, faculty, staff, and community. Below are updates to the district’s medical protocols as of Monday, Sept. 14.

Symptomatic students

These guidelines have been sent forth by the CDC, NYSED, public health and guidance from the district’s school physician, Dr. Nielson. They are non-negotiable. If a student is in school and becomes ill, they must be excused from school by the health office. If a student is kept home or sent home from school with any viral sign/symptoms of COVID-19, they will need to be:

1.) Evaluated by a healthcare provider who will provide a medical note on behalf of the student. This is required in order for the student to return to school.  

AND

2.) Tested for COVID-19 with only an approved nasal swab PCR test 

Sept. 21 update: Previously, if a person did not get tested, they could wait 10 days and return to school. That is no longer the case. If a person does not receive a medical note and a negative COVID-19 test, they will not be allowed to return to school and must switch to remote learning. 

Negative Diagnosis

If a person is NOT diagnosed with COVID-19 and has a negative COVID-19 nasal swab PCR test, they can return to school if:

1.) They have no fever without the use of fever reducing medicines for more than 24 hours and an improvement in symptoms 

OR

2.) They are diagnosed with another condition and have a healthcare provider written note stating they are clear to return to school. The note should include a management plan if the symptoms reoccur.

At this time, NYS guidelines state that even if a student is diagnosed with an alternative diagnosis (i.e. strep throat), a COVID-19 test must be obtained and be negative. These guidelines continue to be under review and may change in the future. 

Siblings

Siblings of a symptomatic sibling will not be sent home unless there is a high probability of COVID-19. 

What is a “high probability”?

1.) The person has been in direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19

AND/OR

2.) The person has a loss of taste/smell

Positive Diagnosis

If a person is diagnosed with COVID-19 by a healthcare provider based on a positive COVID-19 test, they will be contacted by public health with guidance on how to manage persons in their home as well as others that may have come in contact with the infected individual. This is to help you in making sure that you have necessary food and medical supplies at home, as well as reducing the spread of the virus.

If your child tests positive for COVID-19, expect to:

  • Stay in the home for at least ten days since the individual first had symptoms and at least 24 hours since the individual had a fever (without using fever reducing medicine).

Testing Sites

To find a COVID-19 test site near you, click here:  https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you