From the Nurse

The school continues to see an increase in positive COVID-19 cases compared to last week (15 students positive, 1 staff member positive). Additionally, a stomach virus and other viruses have been circulating. 

Please keep students home if they are not feeling well (remember to submit attendance). The school is increasing the frequency of cleaning/disinfecting high-touch surfaces and common areas in the building and continuing to focus on healthy hygiene behaviors. At home, please emphasize the following with your student(s): 

  • Frequent handwashing 
  • Use hand sanitizer when a sink with warm water and soap is not available 
  • Remind students to cover their mouths when they cough/sneeze and to use their elbows as a “cough pocket” 

As a reminder, here are the current guidelines for isolation/return to school following COVID-19:

  • Isolation begins with Day 0 – the day of the positive test or the day symptoms started (if symptoms started before a positive test). 
  • Students should isolate from Day 0 through Day 5.
  • Students may return to school on Day 6 if they are feeling better and have been fever free for 24 hours.
  • Students should wear a high-quality (KN95 or KF94) mask to school for Days 6 through Day 10.

Do recall, 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 a previous From the Nurse post.

Thank you for helping to keep our community safe and healthy. Please reach out to our school nurse, Dora Hall, ARNP (covidresponse@st-johnschool.org) if you have any questions.