COVID-19 Testing
Awe man.. You’ve got the sniffles and a cough that just won’t quit! How long should you wait to get tested for COVID-19?
As soon as you begin displaying symptoms
Name some of the common symptoms of COVID-19
Uncontrolled cough, difficulty breathing
Temperature of 100.4 degrees F or above
Nasal congestion or runny nose
New loss of taste or smell
Poor feeding or appetite
Subjective fever, chills
Shortness of breath
Muscle aches
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Sore throat
Headache
Fatigue
What should remain open at all times when the air quality permits?
Doors and windows
What is the best way parents can notify the school that their child is sick/close contact and has to stay home?
PARENTSQUARE! If a parent notifies you via text message, please encourage them to complete the screener in parent square
Oh no, you’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. How long should you wait before getting tested for COVID-19?
At least 4 days after the date of exposure
Someone in your household has been showing a few symptoms of COVID-19, but has not yet gotten tested yet, should you still plan to come to school?
NO! You should plan to stay home until the person in your household has gotten their COVID-19 test and received a negative test result.
Please note this is subject to change as we learn more about the effects of the vaccine.
During what FEW points in the day are students not required to wear masks?
Naps, eating and drinking, and for students who have developmental delays a face shield can be used as a substitute
How is the health team working with students who are asthmatic/have a history of allergies?
The wonderful Vanessa has contacted all of our families who have students who are asthmatic/have a history of allergies and established a baseline of their symptoms.
She has included these profiles in your red health protocols binder that is in each classroom, and detailed what a “normal” exacerbation looks like. If a student displays these baseline symptoms while at school, they will not need to be sent home.
If symptoms appear to be worse than these baselines, then this would trigger them being sent home and following up with a medical provider.
Your trip to Hawaii over spring break is JUST what you needed after this hectic year…. BUT your school is strongly recommending you quarantine for 10 days. How long should you wait to get tested to shorten your quarantine period to 7 days?
3-5 days after travel
Please note this is subject to change as we learn more about the effects of the vaccine.
April showers bring May… allergies??? You’ve been sneezing like crazy with the change of weather. Is it safe to assume that these symptoms are JUST allergies?
NO! While COVID most commonly presents with fevers, shortness of breath, coughing, loss of smell, and fatigue, symptoms can be variable for each individual and mimic many other conditions. In a normal year, it might be ok to watch new symptoms such as fatigue, new running nose/congestion, or slight sore throat and continue working; but not during COVID pandemic. Everyone needs to be conservative and if any symptoms, stay home or go home and get tested.
Note: If you have a history of allergies/asthma, we ask that you monitor these symptoms and stay home if you begin experiencing symptoms above your regular baseline.
At what times of the day should students be washing/sanitizing their hands?
Upon entry into the classroom
Before + After Breakfast
Before Exiting Classroom for Recess
Before Entry into Classroom Post-Recess
Before + After Lunch
Before Exiting Classroom for Dismissal
After Bathroom use
After someone sneezes/coughs
Oh no! You’re feeling sick or someone in your household is feeling sick :( What system does the school have in place to provide temporary coverage for your classroom?
Bubble back-up person aka a person who has been assigned to your classroom to support for 1-2 days in the case that you get sick.
Even if you receive a negative test, what should you continue to do to keep yourself and those around you safe?
CONTINUE to follow social distancing protocols, wash your hands regularly, and wear masks in public. A negative COVID-19 test is not an immunity passport, and you should still behave with caution to protect yourself and those around you!
What area of the school have been found to be the highest risk for potential COVID-19 transmission?
Place where the most spread has occurred in school campuses is inside the break room. This is the place where staff take off masks, let down their guard, and often eat meals
Best practice is not eat or drink with other colleagues or co-staff in a break room. If you need to eat a meal or snack then best to do it in isolation and outdoors
Please note this is subject to change as we learn more about the effects of the vaccine
What are the two screening questions all staff and students are asked everyday? What day are teachers expected to VERBALLY ask these questions?
1. In the last 24 hours, have you or anyone in your household displayed the following COVID-19 symptoms?
2. In the last 14 days, have you had close contact (i.e. 6 feet or closer for a cumulative total of 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed and/or who have symptoms that indicate having COVID-19?
Questions should be asked verbally every Monday
What are all families required to do before beginning in-person learning?
Attend a zoom social contract meeting with admin and health team and sign the social contract
What are the two main types of COVID-19 tests available and which one is considered the golden standard?
PCR and Antigen tests. While antigen tests give results faster, they are more likely to give a FALSE negative result, making them less reliable than PCR tests. Whenever possible, it is recommended that you use the PCR test for its higher accuracy!
Who are the primary drivers of COVID-19 outbreaks at schools?
Majority of outbreaks and spread at schools is driven by the adults on campus. Our teachers, administrators, and front-line staff adherence to safe behaviors outside the school will be critical to keeping our school family safe.
What teachers should do if they’re feeling sick or have been a close contact around anyone who is sick?
Alert the group message ASAP, stay home, connect with their medical home/local testing site, and expect a follow up from someone on the health team
What is the weekly tool that you can use to stay as up to date as possible on any changes/information the school wants to share with you regarding our COVID policies and important reminders?
COVID-19 Weekly Update Newsletter!!!!