Updated February 11, 2022
COVID-19-related situations involve many variables, so we are continuing to evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis.
Our general framework is based on SC DHEC guidelines as well as our own monitoring of the overall health situation in the local community and at BJA. We plan to implement layered prevention strategies against COVID-19 as needed.
SCDHEC’s Reported COVID-19 Cases Among School-Aged Children and Employees
Prevention Strategies
At school we will continue to be alert to physical distancing and will maintain good handwashing and cleaning practices. We are also using an air filtration system at school.
We ask parents to remain sensitive to any symptoms or illness and keep affected children at home out of precaution. Students who exhibit symptoms at school will be sent home immediately and will wear a face covering while waiting for pick-up. We reserve the right to request a doctor’s note for return to school for illnesses that resemble COVID-19.
Face Coverings
In general, face coverings are optional. Parents may want to consider having their students use a face covering when they are not physically distancing. Should rates of community/school spread increase to a concerning level, face coverings may be used temporarily in an attempt to enable our students to be at school throughout the school year again this year.
If a student develops COVID-like symptoms:
- Recommended: isolate the student if possible and contact a doctor if needed.
- Refer to our school illness guidelines. A student should return only after improved symptoms AND no fever of 100 degrees or higher for at least 48 hours without fever-reducing medication. Please don’t hesitate to contact the school nurse with questions.
- 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. The test must be a PCR or rapid antigen test, not a home COVID test.
If a student tests positive:
- CDC-K5: The student should be out of school at least 10 days from the test date or the clear start of symptoms. (Reflects January updated DHEC/CDC guidelines.)
- Grades 1-12: The student should be out of school at least 7 days from the test date or the clear start of symptoms.
- The student should return only after improved symptoms AND no fever of 100 degrees or higher for at least 48 hours without fever-reducing medication.
- Student athletes returning to school after testing positive for COVID-19 may return to practice/play with written/emailed permission from their parent. Parents are asked to consider in their decision whether or not the student has any lingering symptoms. This permission must be submitted to the athletic director.
If a student has known contact with someone who tested positive within the past 7 days:
- A student who has been vaccinated or has a documented positive COVID-19 test within the last 6 months and who remains symptom-free may return to school.
- Otherwise, the student must remain at home and be observed for symptoms for 5 days.
- Test as soon as any symptoms develop. The test must be a PCR or rapid antigen test, not a home COVID test. 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 5 of quarantine and must wear a face covering through Day 7. The student may not participate in school athletics until no longer required to mask. Parents may choose to keep their student home through Day 7 rather than having the student wear a face covering.
- We will notify you if your student was directly exposed at school. In addition, we may notify you if your student was not identified as directly exposed but may have a somewhat elevated risk of exposure; this will enable you to take extra precautions if you desire to do so.
If a student lives with someone who tests positive:
- CDC-K5: The student should be out of school at least 6 days from last exposure and may return on day 7 with a negative test.
- Grades 1-12: Student must remain out of school for the quarantine period due to exposure (see “known contact” category 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.
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