News
Jul 31

COVID-19 Guidelines

Updated March 30, 2021

We have received the annual updates from SC DHEC regarding guidelines for appropriately responding to illness in the school environment. Obviously COVID-19 has made this year’s list!

There are so many variables that contribute to each COVID-19-related situation. While we will continue to evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis, we do plan to use their guidelines as our framework.

Here is a summary:

If a student is exhibiting symptoms:

  • Isolate the student and contact a doctor.
  • The student should be out at least 10 days from start of symptoms, returning only after improved symptoms AND no fever of 100 degrees or higher for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
  • If clearance is given by a doctor prior to 10 days, the student may return with a written note from the doctor stating he/she is cleared to return to school.
  • If tested for COVID-19, the student must remain out of school while awaiting results.  If the test result is negative, the student may return to school.

If a student tests positive:

  • The student should be out of school at least 10 days from the test date (20 days if hospitalization is required).
  • The student should return only after improved symptoms AND no fever of 100 degrees or higher for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.

If a student has direct contact with someone who tested positive within the past 14 days:

  • Isolate the student and contact a doctor.
  • If tested for COVID-19, the student must remain out of school while awaiting results.
  • If not tested and no symptoms develop,
    • The student may return after Day 10 of quarantine.
    • The student may return after Day 7 if tested on or after Day 5 and a negative test is received.
    • In both cases, students must observe continual masking, avoid close contact (which may include limiting participation in some school functions such as extra-curricular activities, robotics, etc.), and must give extra careful attention to the development of any symptoms for the completion of the 14-day period from exposure.

If a student lives with someone who tests positive:

  • Student must remain out of school for the quarantine period due to exposure (see above).  The quarantine period begins following the last date of exposure to the person with the known positive case.
  • Date of return is dependent on the actions taken by the family to limit exposure. The school nurse will be in contact to discuss the return date.

Situations where a family member of a student exhibits symptoms and is being tested for COVID-19 will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Please notify the school nurse so appropriate precautions can be taken at school.

For students who have already had a confirmed positive result on a COVID-19 test*:

If a student has direct contact with someone who tested positive within the past 14 days:

  • Within 90 days of their own positive result, the student should be monitored for symptoms and may continue to attend class if asymptomatic (or if cleared by doctor should symptoms develop).
  • Outside 90 days of their own positive result, regular BJA COVID-19 protocol (above) applies.

If a student develops symptoms:

  • Within 90 days of their own positive result, follow school protocols for other illnesses. COVID-19 isolation/testing is not required unless ordered by a medical professional.
  • Outside 90 days of their own positive result, regular BJA COVID-19 protocol (above) applies.

For students who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (at least 2 weeks after receiving the final dose)*:

If a student has direct contact with someone who tested positive within the past 14 days:

  • With the full vaccination, the student should be monitored for symptoms and may continue to attend class if asymptomatic (or if cleared by doctor should symptoms develop).
  • If not fully vaccinated, regular BJA COVID-19 protocol (above) applies.

If a student develops symptoms:

  • If fully vaccinated, follow school protocols for other illnesses. COVID-19 isolation/testing is not required unless ordered by a medical professional.
  • If not fully vaccinated, regular BJA COVID-19 protocol (above) applies.

*Current school COVID-19 protocols regarding face coverings, distancing, etc., continue to apply for all students, including those who have had a confirmed positive result on a COVID-19 test and those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine.