Letter from the School Nurse
September 30, 2021
Clarifications
Dear Parents & Caregivers,
In the past, your child could go to school, even if their nose was stuffed or runny. But as we continue to live in a world with COVID-19, you may be wondering – is it really a cold? Is it safe for my child to go to school? Not all children will show symptoms of COVID-19, even though they can still spread the virus.
The following symptoms should be monitored at home.
- Fever (100 degrees or greater) or 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
While these symptoms don't automatically mean your child has COVID-19, they may have another condition – like the flu or strep throat – that could spread to their classmates. It is best to keep them home if they show any of these symptoms.
If your child is sent home or kept home with any of the symptoms listed above, they will need a negative COVID test to return to school. If you do not wish to test your child, they will need to quarantine for 10 days before they are able to return to school.
If your child tests negative for COVID-19, they will be able to return to school when they feel better. If they are running a fever they will need to be symptom free at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (temperature of 100 degrees or greater) or signs of a fever (chills, feeling very warm, flushed appearance, or sweating) without the use of fever-reducing medications.
All covid test results should be sent to the Health Office either by fax, email or physical copy sent in with your child.
Don't push your child to go back to school if they are still feeling unwell. Conditions like the flu can keep them feeling too lethargic for school, even if they don't have a fever.
This school year will require a lot of flexibility and patience from parents, teachers, and students. As the number of cases changes or students become sick at school, rules for their safety may change.
We will get through this school year; it is important that everyone in the DeSales community stay positive and healthy. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you
Renee Nye RN & Kortnee Perry RN
Health Office
DeSales Catholic School
Email: Knuutilak@desalescatholicschool.org
Website: http://www.desalescatholicschool.org/
Location: 6914 Chestnut Ridge Road, Lockport, NY, USA
Phone: (716)433-6422
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeSalesCatholicSchool