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September 2023
We have been watching the rates of COVID-19 in the DMV region recently increase. This is likely due to summer travel as well as waning immunity. At this time we expect that the virus will likely continue to follow an endemic pattern with seasonal variation. Our COVID-19 recommendations are as follows:
We require that all standard childhood vaccinations are up to date, as in keeping with DCPS policy
We recommend that all children and staff are up-to-date on the COVID-19 vaccine series. You can find the CDC’s COVID vaccination schedule here.
You may be aware that a new booster is likely to be released in the next month. We would recommend that if your child requires a booster, you wait to receive the new one as it is most likely to partially cover the new variants.
Only well children should be sent to school. We want to ensure that children can learn effectively and not spread disease to others. Your child should stay home if they have the below conditions, and should stay at home for a full 24 hours after symptoms resolve:
Fever (>100.4 F) - must be resolved for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication* see below
Diarrhea / vomiting
Sore throat + fever
Cough + fever* see below
Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Rash
Lice
COVID specific information (mirroring CDC guidelines)
If students experience any of the following, they should stay home and obtain a rapid antigen test or a PCR test:
Fever
New or worsening cough
Shortness of breath
New lost of taste or smell
Muscle aches and/or chills
Unusual amount of fatigue
A. If a rapid or PCR test is positive, then the child should remain home for 5 days and be fever-free without the use of medications prior to return. They can return to school and should mask until day 10.
B. If fever remains after 5 days, or if symptoms are not improving, isolation should be extended until 10 days.
C. If your child has one of the above symptoms, and has a negative rapid antigen test, a repeat antigen test or a PCR should be performed prior to return to school once symptoms improve.
D. We do not recommend routine screening with antigen tests; however, if your child had a high-risk exposure to COVID (on a playdate, a family member with COVID, etc), we recommend antigen testing on day 5 after exposure. If asymptomatic, your child may attend school while masked until day 5 when testing occurs.
Please know that the Health and Safety Committee will review any new data or changes in real time and these recommendations are subject to change.
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