From the Nurse

The school has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases this past week compared to previous weeks (5 students positive, 1 staff member positive). A new Omicron subvariant, XBB.1.5 (also known as the “Kraken” variant) is spreading quickly across the United States. While RSV and influenza cases appear to be decreasing, these viruses continue to circulate in our communities. Please continue to monitor the COVID Data Dashboard for real-time updates regarding COVID cases at school, and please be aware of the following reminders: 

  • The school will continue to monitor COVID cases among students/staff/cohorts. 
  • An outbreak is defined as at least 5 positive cases within a specified core group. 
  • Please keep students home if they have any symptoms of illness (please notify the school of the absence).
  • The school has a new test available for students and staff, BD Triplex, which detects COVID-19 and Influenza A&B in one single rapid test. This test can be administered on campus with a signed consent form from a parent/guardian. Additional information can be found in last week’s From the Nurse post.
  • Rapid test kits continue to be available in the main office for families to take home.  
  • Following a household exposure to COVID-19 (i.e. sibling(s) or parent(s) test positive): 
    • Students should wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask (KN95 or KF94) around others for 10 days after exposure. 
    • Students should rapid test after exposure. Since we have rapid test kits available to students, it is recommended that students test daily or every other day until 5 days after their last exposure.  
    • Monitor for symptoms and keep students home if symptoms are present (please notify the school of the absence).

If you have questions, please reach out to our school nurse, Dora Hall, ARNP, at covidresponse@st-johnschool.org.