​September Health Notes From Our Health Office

Welcome all to the 2020-2021 school year. Since the hiatus in March due to COVID-19 we have come back with some changes to the school environment and in the way students and staff interact. Our hope is that you will find the information in this communication helpful as a guidance tool regarding some of the changes in policies and procedures.
 
It has been scientifically proven that facemasks, handwashing, and physical distancing are the  most important mitigating strategies known to combat COVID-19. As previously communicated, all students and staff (with rare exception) are expected to wear a facemask during the school day. There will be mask breaks scheduled for students. The structure of the breaks may look different from class to class, depending on the scheduling nature of classes. We want to remind parents and students that cloth masks should be washed regularly. Consider sending in a backup mask with your student to have if needed. The nurses have disposable masks in the health offices that can be used if needed, but your student may prefer one that they are more comfortable with. 
 
Remember to schedule a flu vaccine this year for your child. Once the vaccine has been given, it takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to become fully effective. With many flu symptoms being similar to symptoms of COVID-19, it is important to have as much protection as possible to fight these viruses. A suggestion is to call your child’s primary care physician to see how they are handling giving flu vaccine this year and make an appointment. It is not too early.
 
Due to COVID-19 restrictions we are asking that no food be sent in to school this year to be shared for parties and celebrations. Teachers and staff have resources for alternative activities to create some special time that can be enjoyed by all.
 
The CT State Department of Education, the CT Department of Public Health (DPH), and our local Ledge Light Health District are working continuously to keep our school district aware of the latest health information regarding COVID-19. We also work closely with our school medical advisor Dr. Vijay Sikand on all health matters as they pertain to students and staff.
 
The following guidance is information we would like parents to review and follow. Please understand that this guidance may be subject to change.
Guidelines and Procedures Regarding COVID-19

• Use the Region 18 Daily Symptom Screening Checklist before your child comes to school, including checking your child’s temperature every morning.
• If your child has any  of the symptoms on the Region 18 Daily Symptom Screening Checklist, please contact your child’s physician for further guidance.
• If your child has any key symptoms of COVID-19 such as:

• Fever above 100.4 degrees/chills
• Uncontrolled new cough
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• New loss of taste or smell

 Contact your child’s physician for further guidance regarding the illness and if COVID-19 testing is warranted.

• Call your child’s school nurse and let her know your child’s symptoms and when they began.
• If your child is tested for COVID-19 let her know the date and provide her with a copy of the test result (positive or negative).
• If you need help finding a location to have a COVID-19 test done, your child’s physician office may be of assistance. The following website also offers information on testing sites: 211 CT - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Informatio
  

This site allows a search by zip code to find a testing site. It also allows the user to search by sites that take children, perform asymptomatic testing, and sites that allow testing without an appointment.

• If your child’s physician determines the key symptoms are not due to COVID-19, your child may return to school:

• After 24 hours fever free without use of a fever reducing medication and
• If his/her symptom(s) are improving and
• With a note from your child’s physician indicating an alternative diagnosis for the symptoms.

• Notes from your child’s physician may be submitted to me by email or fax.
  

If your child has any nonspecific signs and symptoms of COVID-19 such as 

• Muscle or body aches
• Sore throat
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Congestion
• Runny nose

Please contact your child’s physician for further guidance. The physician will determine whether a doctor visit is indicated.

• For nonspecific signs and symptoms of COVID-19 your child may return to school once he/she is symptom free for 24 hours (without use of any fever reducing medication).

 
Be sure to contact the main office at your child’s school to report any absence.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email.
 
Melissa Seckla RN
secklam@region18.org
Phone: 860-434-1651 x1004
Fax: 860-434-4430
LOLHS