As a result of recently revised Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance regarding the process for documenting and treating COVID-19 illness, the following steps should be followed for students who are suspected or confirmed to have been infected with COVID-19:
“Students who come to school or an early care and education (ECE) program with symptoms or develop symptoms while at school or an ECE program will be asked to wear a well-fitting mask or respirator while in the building and be sent home and encouraged to get tested. Symptomatic people who cannot wear a mask will be separated from others as much as possible.”
Regardless of vaccination status, students who test positive for COVID-19 should be isolated from others. The isolation should begin on the day of symptom onset or, for asymptomatic individuals, the date of the positive test. The aforementioned dates are Day 0.
Students may return to school on Day 6 provided they are asymptomatic and have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication. Should symptoms persist past Day 5, students should remain home until the above criteria are met.
The current CDC guidance calls for students to mask for an additional five days when returning to school. This is a guideline and not a mandate. For additional guidance, families of students should consult with a healthcare provider.
As per the AACPS Parent Handbook, whenever a child is absent, the parent/guardian must provide a note of explanation to the school within three days of the child’s return to school. Absences due to illness in excess of five consecutive days require a physician’s note.
For more information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, click here.
