Sick Day Protocol

This & That Health Office Reminders

Highlights for SCA Sick Day Protocol

We understand that this year is a challenge and frustrating at times. Information changes almost weekly as we try to follow Jackson County rules. We are praying for our students, families, and SCA faculty/staff as we maneuver this school year. COVID-19 symptoms of concern can be a symptom of many different illnesses (COVID-19, influenza, strep throat, allergies, “colds,” “stomach bug.”) For the most part, healthcare providers cannot tell the difference between the different illnesses without testing for COVID-19. In the past, providers were not too worried about viruses; they just needed time to recover. But, we are in different times now and we are trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, that will usually require a test if you want the provider to clear your child from COVID-19 symptoms.

Please check your student/yourself for any symptoms. High Risk Symptoms: New cough, difficulty breathing, loss of taste/smell Moderate Risk Symptoms: Sore throat, congestion, runny nose, headache, fever (100.4 or higher), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle or body aches If your student has any of these symptoms, we ask that you keep them at home. If your student comes to the nurse and has any HIGH RISK symptom or two or more MODERATE RISK symptoms, we are required to send them home for 10 days. At this point, you can take them to the doctor and see if they can be cleared for school. In order for them to be cleared from COVID-19, they may require a COVID-19 test. If they have just one of the MODERATE RISK symptoms and no COVID-19 exposure, they can return to school 24 hours after symptom improvement and fever-free 24 hours without any fever-reducing medications. Scenarios for COVID-19: • COVID-19 positive with symptoms: For most persons with COVID-19 illness, isolation and precautions can generally be discontinued 10 days after symptom onset and resolution of fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications, and with improvement of other symptoms. • COVID-19 positive but asymptomatic: Stay home 10 full days from test result day. Back to school on day 11 from test date. • COVID-19 exposure: Students are out 14 full days.

For example, exposed on 9/28/2020, day 1 starts on 9/29/2020 and day 14 is 10/12/2020, with earliest return to school on 10/13/2020, as long as symptoms have improved and fever-free without fever-reducing medications for 24 hours. • Symptoms: Doctor’s excuse note (may need to be tested in order to be cleared) or stay home 10 full days (back to school on day 11) from first symptom AND symptoms improving AND 24 hours fever-free without medications. A negative COVID-19 test does not get you back into school sooner. You need a healthcare provider clearance note. • Living with the COVID-19 positive individual and can’t quarantine (because you are a caregiver or young sibling): Positive person stays home 10 full days from first symptom, THEN you start your 14-day quarantine, which puts you back on day 26.

For example, Jack tests positive for COVID-19 on 9/3/2020, but his symptoms started on 9/1/2020.

On 9/11/2020, you can start your 14-day exposure quarantine, putting you back at school on day 15, 9/26/2020.

Your SCA Nursing Staff Sheri Dean, RN; Noelle Rhyne, RN Erin Rider, RN; Tiffany Summit, M.Ed.