As Spring Break approaches, we have received guidance for schools from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Please read that guidance below. We are asking that any person (staff/students) associated with the school district do the following:
- Notify the district superintendent at 870-864-5006 or email jim.tucker@esd-15.org if you have traveled from a country with community transmission within the last 14 days. Link of countries are below.
- Notify the district superintendent at 870-864-5006 or email jim.tucker@esd-15.org if you are a staff or student who has had close contact (such as household) with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19.
Guidance about Students and Staff Who Have Traveled or Possibly Been Exposed to COVID-19
At present ADH is monitoring travelers who have returned within the last 14 days from affected countries and individuals who have had close contact to known cases. Travelers from affected areas are advised to stay at home and monitor for symptoms until 14 days have passed from their departure from that area, while limiting interaction with others. Once 14 days have passed without any symptoms of illness, CDC recommends these travelers be allowed to return to school and public activities.
- It is recommended that schools communicate with parents to let them know that the district is aware of the risk of COVID-19, the district is working with ADH to identify students and staff who may have traveled from the affected communities and district staff will collaborate with ADH if any such students or staff is identified.
- Districts are requested to identify any student or staff who may have traveled from a country with community transmission within the last 14 days (see link for currently affected countries with Level 2 or 3 Travel Notice: : https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html ) This information is permitted to be shared with ADH under the public emergency rule.
- Districts are also requested to identify and report to ADH staff or students who have close contact (such as household) with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19.
- Schools should inform their school nurse if any student or staff has traveled to these countries so that the nurse can advise regarding home self-quarantine and assist with self-monitoring.
- If a student is identified as having traveled from an affected area in the last 14 days and has symptoms (fever, cough, and shortness of breath), they should immediately be placed in a single room and have a mask placed on them. Others in the room should wear a mask. If physical contact is required, then gown, gloves and mask should be worn.
- Any suspected case (with symptoms) of COVID-19 should be reported to ADH immediately at 1-800-803-7847.