School Nurses

colquitt county school district

Covid-19 return to school guidelines

Based upon the Georgia Department of Public Health Strategies and Centers for Disease Control

UPDATED AS OF: AUGUST 16, 2022

1. Symptomatic (symptoms listed in #3) persons with CONFIRMED COVID-19 can return to school after:

a. At least 24 hours have passed since recovery, defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medication AND improvement of respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath); AND

b. At least five (5) days have passed since symptoms first appeared and if mild/moderate illness or non-immunocompromised.

c. If severe/critical or immunocompromised, seek consultation with your medical provider for return to school/work guidance.

2. Suspected (experiencing symptoms but not confirmed positive) COVID-19 persons NOT Linked to a Positive Case:

May return to school:

• With proof of a physician visit indicating date of return to school/work
• OR proof of a negative COVID test

OR

• At least 24 hours since last fever, vomiting, or diarrhea without the use of medications to treat the symptoms AND
• Other symptoms have improved

3. Suspected (experiencing symptoms but not confirmed positive) COVID-19 AND Linked to a Positive Case or Suspected Case

• May return after:

Completion of isolation period of five (5) days from date of onset of signs/symptoms (The isolation period begins the day after the onset of signs/symptoms.)

OR

• Proof of a negative PCR test from a Healthcare Professional

Symptoms of COVID-19

• Fever: measured temperature of 100 (or greater) degrees Fahrenheit
• Chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

4. Asymptomatic (not experiencing symptoms) persons with CONFIRMED COVID-19 can return to school after:

a. At least five (5) days have passed since the positive laboratory test date, the person remains asymptomatic, and is not severely immunocompromised.

b. If you later develop symptoms, you should follow the guidance for symptomatic persons above.

c. For those severely immunocompromised, seek consultation with your medical provider for return to school/work guidance.

5. Asymptomatic (not experiencing symptoms) persons who have had close contact with a person with COVID-19

CLOSE CONTACTS include:

• Living in the same household as a sick person with COVID-19
• Caring for a sick person with COVID-19
• Being within six (6) feet of a sick person with COVID-19 for 15 minutes cumulative or more within a 24-hour period; OR
• Being in direct contact with secretions from a sick person with COVID-19 (i.e., being coughed on, kissing, sharing utensils, etc.).

Per the CDC and DPH, quarantine is no longer recommended for COVID-19 exposures, regardless of vaccine status or exposure location. However, it

is recommended that you do the following:

• Wear a mask for ten (10) days post-exposure
• Monitor for symptoms for ten (10) days
• Test on day six (6)
• Remain home if symptoms develop. Complete the COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form