When Someone is Sick
Schools may consider implementing several strategies to prepare for when someone is sick with COVID-19.
Staff and children that are sick with COVID-19 should stay home.
- Advise staff and families of students sick with COVID-19 of home isolation criteria. Sick staff members or students should not return until they have met CDC's criteria to discontinue home isolation.
- Make sure that staff and families know when they should stay home. Ensure that staff and families know that they (staff) or their children (families) should not come to school. They should notify the designated COVID-19 point of contact if:
- they or their children test positive for COVID-19;
- have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 symptoms; or
- have been exposed to a suspected COVID-19 case.
These critical communications should be accessible to individuals with disabilities and limited English proficiency.
- Isolate and transport students who develop symptoms while at school. Some students may develop symptoms of infectious illness while at school. Schools should take action to isolate students who develop these symptoms from other students and staff. Follow the school isolation protocol outlined in Screening K-12 Students for Symptoms of COVID-19: Limitations and Considerations when a student develops symptoms of an infectious illness.
- Close off areas used by a sick person and do not use them until after cleaning and disinfecting them. For outdoor areas (e.g., playgrounds, sitting areas, outdoor eating areas, etc.), this includes surfaces or shared objects in the area, if applicable.
- Wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting. If 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible. Ensure safe and correct use and storage of cleaning and disinfection products, including storing products securely away from children.
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4-8. What should schools do when students develop COVID-19 symptoms?
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