COVID INFORMATION for RMMS
UPDATED April 21, 2022
COVID Testing Protocol Update for Symptomatic Students
Based on recent updates on the COVID Decision Tree for K-12 Schools, we are currently accepting antigen home tests as proof of negative results for symptomatic scholars, but there are certain requirements. A total of two home tests need to be submitted to our Health Office prior to your student's return to jeanieschexnayder@vistausd.org . Please email a picture of the first antigen home test to our Health Office 15 minutes after collection, with your students name, date, and time of collection written on the actual test cassette.The second test must be collected the next day, at least 12 hours after the first test was administered. Please be sure to collect the sample within that time frame. Email a picture of the second antigen home test to our health office with the scholar’s name, collection date and time written on the test cassette 15 minutes after collection. If results are not submitted with the necessary information, a confirmatory PCR test will be required.
Free PCR tests are still being offered to families at our Vista testing sites. Results are often received in 24 hours, and are still the most accurate and preferred method for testing.
Please feel free to contact the health office if you have any additional questions.
Best Regards,
Jeanie Schexnayder, LVN
760-631/4500 xt 64013
CLICK DOCUMENT BELOW FOR PHOTOS OF HOME TESTS
Decision Tree and FAQ Updated as of 4/6/22
The COVID-19 Decision Tree and related FAQ have been updated at the request of the County’s Public Health Services department. When testing a person with symptoms for COVID-19, the requirement that the initial test be performed within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms has been removed. Included below are the revised requirements for confirmation testing.
- If a person with symptoms has a negative PCR (or other NAAT) result from a sample collected after the onset of symptoms, the person may return to school or work when they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, and their symptoms are improving.
- If a person with symptoms has a negative antigen result from a sample collected after the onset of symptoms, the result must be confirmed with a second test (antigen, PCR, or other NAAT) taken 12 or more hours after the first test. If the initial antigen test, and the confirmation test results are both negative, the person may return to school or work when they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, and their symptoms are improving.
The Spanish versions of the Decision Tree and FAQ have also been updated. The e-Decision Tree is current through March 15 but does not reflect the update noted above.
Masking: Students who are authorized to return from isolation or quarantine before Day 11 should (it’s no longer a “must”) mask indoors and outdoors when around others. However, per Cal/OSHA’s emergency temporary standards, employees who are authorized to return from isolation or quarantine before Day 11 must mask indoors and outdoors when around others.
Group Tracing: All students who shared a common airspace for 15 minutes or more with a person who was contagious with COVID-19, including those who are fully vaccinated, must be notified that they should test on days 3, 4, or 5 following their last exposure. However, CDPH now says that students who are within 90 days of a prior verified COVID-19 infection should not test.
Confirmation Testing: When a person receives a negative antigen test result within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, they can now use a second antigen test (or a PCR or other NAAT) taken the following day to confirm the initial finding. If both tests are negative, the person can then return to school or work when they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications and their symptoms are improving.
Verified Non-COVID-19 Diagnosis: When a person has symptoms, the school can now accept evidence of a verified diagnosis from a physician of another illness that accounts for the symptoms to allow return to school or work when the person has been free of fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications and their symptoms are improving.
MASKS STILL REQUIRED IN HEALTH OFFICE
For everyone’s safety, masks are still required in the health office per the San Diego County Office of Education. All Decision Tree protocols still apply to COVID-like symptoms. This includes keeping your scholar home until they receive a negative lab PCR test when experiencing symptoms, or until their 10 day quarantine period is over.
Covid symptoms include one or more of the following:
Sore throat
Runny nose/congestion
nausea/vomiting
Diarrhea
Cough
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Shortness of breath
Chills
Thank you for understanding and keeping our school community safe. For any questions regarding your scholar’s health or COVID protocols, please call the health office at 760-631-4500 ext 64013, or email jeanieschexnayder@vistausd.org .
COVID-19 Testing Center
CURRENT COVID INFO FOR RMMS
Here are some simple protocols regarding home tests:
- A home test does not need to be done in the presence of a school employee
- Ask the family to write the student's name, DOB, and the current date on front of the home test to verify that the test is for the student.
- We will accept a photo/screen shot of the test (showing negative).
- A family may choose to do the test while at school. VUSD employees are not authorized to administer the test.
- Antigen or home tests are not accepted for a person with symptoms. A PCR is required.
Please refer to the Test Types by Situation Chart below for additional clarification.
Once again, PLEASE do not send your scholar to school if they aren't feeling well OR you have taken them to have a COVID test.
Important COVID-19 Information and Quarantine Updates
Q: Will we know if there is an active C19 case on campus?
A: Yes, it will be included in our weekly newsletter to families.
Q: Will I know if my scholar was or is considered a close contact?
A: Yes, If a scholar or adult is considered “Close Contact” to a COVID-19+ person, a notice to families in those classes will be sent to those families. Close contacts will be quarantined as determined by the COVID decision tree. Quarantine Exceptions would be for the student or adult that is fully vaccinated (defined as 2 weeks post-final vaccination). Proof must be provided in this case.
Close Contact: is defined as anyone who was within 6' proximity of a COVID-19+ person for a cumulative 15 minutes in 24 hours.
Q: How does my student access school if they are required to quarantine?
A: If your child is quarantined, they are to access their coursework in CANVAS. They can also reach out to their teachers directly via email to get their assignments.
- Wear masks indoors
- Don't eat inside or share food
- Bring your own water bottle everyday to fill up at the hydration station
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently. Or, sanitize your hands often
- Stay home if you are sick
VUSD Parents: Notification for Remind
Vista Unified School District is committed to engaging families as partners in education. We continue to refine our communication systems to provide up to date information about teaching and learning, collaboration, family engagement, and college and career pathways. One important improvement of our plan is to implement a more efficient and seamless communication platform called Remind. The information below provides a preview of this important new feature of our communication plan.....[READ MORE]