Catholic Schools Onward

Best Practices and New Opportunities as We Move Forward


BEST PRACTICES MOVING FORWARD

(Please note that as current information becomes available this page will be updated – 06.25.2020.)

Schools will make efforts to monitor the health of their students and staff, although it is not required or suggested by the CDC. Specifically, they suggest schools and child care programs are not expected to screen children, students, or staff to identify cases of COVID-19. If a community, or specifically school, has cases of COVID-19, local health officials will help identify those individuals and follow up on next steps.

Below is some specific guidance related to situations involving the school, community and COVID-19.

If a staff member or volunteer has a confirmed case of covid-19

  1. Notify the local health officials – ask for guidance.
  2. Dismiss the staff or volunteer for 2 to 5 days until health officials can determine next step.
  3. Consider dismissal of cohort, related to the suspected case of COVID-19, according to health official guidance.
  4. Discourage the cohort from gathering until during the initial period.
  5. Communicate to staff and families that there was a confirmed case – without using a name or identifying information of the person(s) involved.
  6. Close off the potentially infected area for 24 hours and clean the areas that may have been infected by the  identified case of COVID-19.
  7. During the initial 2 to 5 day period, evaluate if any other cases related to the case were identified and make a decision to extend or end the cohort dismissal.
  8. The staff/volunteer can return after the following conditions have been met:
    • 3 days with no fever and
    • Symptoms improved and
    • 10 days since symptoms first appeared

If a student has a confirmed case of covid-19

  1. Notify local health officials to ask for guidance.
  2. Dismiss the student(s) for 2 to 5 days until health officials can determine next steps.
  3. Consider a dismissal of cohort related to the suspected case of COVID-19 using health official guidance for this.
  4. Discourage the cohort from gathering during the initial period and the situation has been evaluated.
  5. Communicate to staff and families that there was a confirmed case.  Name or identifying information of the student with COVID-19 is not permitted.
  6. Close off area the person was in and wait 24 hours.  Clean areas related to the identified case of COVID-19.
  7. During the initial 2 to 5 day period, evaluate if any other cases related to the case were identified and make a decision to extend or end the cohort dismissal.
  8. The student can return after the following conditions have been met:
    • 3 days with no fever and
    • Symptoms improved and
    • 10 days since symptoms first appeared

If a student or staff has a suspected case of COVID-19 or is demonstrating symptoms.

  1. Immediately separate staff and children with COVID-19 symptoms (such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath) at school. Individuals who are sick should go home or to a healthcare facility depending on how severe their symptoms are.  CDC guidance for caring for oneself and others who are sick should be followed.
  2. Provide an isolation room.
  3. Call for home transportation,  if necessary.
  4. Can return when:
    1. 3 days with no fever and
    2. Symptoms improved and
    3. 10 days since symptoms first appeared or,
    4. or if cleared by a medical professional.
  1. If case is confirmed, please see aforementioned section (confirmed case of COVID-19)

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