Communicable Disease Guidance
Monday, August 28, 2023
The following is an update to communicable disease protocol as it relates to attendance at school. I'm sharing today due to the recent presence of COVID-19 on campus. This new strain is a mutated version dubbed Eris, a sort of grandchild of Omicron. For school, COVID-19 protocol is now listed within the Communicable Disease School Nurse Guidance document. The sixth column lists criteria for Exclusion from School for all of our favorite communicable diseases. In this column, you'll see exclusion for COVID-19 is now similar to that for whooping cough, mumps, and chicken pox. The goal, of course, is to minimize public spread. Here are a few tips and points of emphasis with regards to COVID-19.
- Be on the look-out for symptoms. The most common symptoms we are seeing are sore throats, congestion, and headaches. Other common symptoms include fever, fatigue, and chills.
- If you experience symptoms, please stay home. Get tested for COVID-19. Mrs. Bronny has some home test kits available here at school if needed.
- If you test positive for COVID-19, the Illinois Department of Public Health asks you to self-isolate for 5 days from symptom onset. Individuals may return to school on day 6, provided they meet all of the following conditions.
- 24 hours fever-free, without fever-reducing medication
- 24 hours without vomiting or diarrhea
- Overall, your symptoms have improved
Also, just a reminder, masking is optional at school. If you have additional questions or concerns, please be sure to reach out to me or Nurse Bronny.
Sincerely,
Tim Farquer, Superintendent
Williamsfield Schools