Planning for fall: when to keep kids home from school
Hello, students & families of Blue Earth Area Schools!
It’s hard to believe that we are so close to the beginning of the new school year!
I wanted to be in touch with families about reasons to keep kids home from school, or reasons why kids might be sent home from school. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, we are looking at some things differently this year. As you can imagine, we have to be more cautious and more vigilant about illness and disease prevention.
We will be basing our actions on the Minnesota Department of Health’s Decision Tree for People with Covid-19 Symptoms in Youth, Student and Childcare Programs. Please look closely at this document, as it will guide our actions and recommendations here at Blue Earth Area.
We encourage parents and guardians to assess their students on a daily basis before school to ensure that they are well enough to attend school.
As always, please call the school office to report any absence. I am happy to talk with you if you are unsure how to proceed, or if you need help in determining if your child should come to school or stay home.
We all need to work together to Prevent the Spread!
Sincerely,
Ann Crofton, RN, MS
Licensed School Nurse
Blue Earth Area Schools
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ALWAYS keep students home for these reasons:
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Students may return to school when:
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Fever >100.4 degrees Farenheit
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Generally unwell
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Students may return to school when they are symptom-free for 24 hours without the use of medication (i.e., no fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication)
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Students should be kept home for the following Covid-19-related reasons:
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Students may return to school when:
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If student has ONE “more common” symptom of Covid-19:
Fever greater than or equal to 100.4 F
New onset and/or worsening cough
Difficulty breathing
New loss of taste or smell
OR
If student has TWO or MORE “less common” symptoms of Covid-19:
Sore throat
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Chills
Muscle pain
Excessive fatigue
New onset of severe headache
New onset of nasal congestion or runny nose
OR
If a household contact has a diagnosis of Covid-19
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Please follow guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Decision Tree for People with Covid-19 Symptoms in Youth, Student and Childcare Programs.
A student’s ability to return to school will depend on whether they are seen at a clinic for their symptoms, whether a diagnosis is made (i.e., influenza, strep throat), and whether a Covid-19 test is positive or negative.
If anyone in the household is waiting for Covid-19 test results, ALL household members must stay home until a NEGATIVE test result.
If anyone in the household has a POSITIVE Covid-19 test, ALL household members need to stay home and quarantine for 14 days.
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