The Elmira City School District has written protocol that complies with DOH and CDC guidance for the return to school of students and staff following a positive screen for COVID-19 symptoms, illness or diagnosis of confirmed case of COVID-19 or following quarantine due to contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Return to school will be coordinated with the local health department.
The District will contact The Chemung County Department of Health with contact name, phone number, and known address. The County will then coordinate with the District to conduct contract tracing and verification of COVID-19 testing measures. Per the Chemung County Department of Health, “the county publishes our county’s hospital capacity on the county website”. The Department of Health will collaborate with the school District to provide guidance on closures based on hospitalization rates and capacity.
Schools must follow CDC, NYSDOH and local Health Department guidance for allowing a student and staff member to return to school after being diagnosed with COVID-19 or exhibiting symptoms consistent with possible COVID-19. Following Guidance and Protocols
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 BUT DOES NOT HAVE COVID-19
If a person has symptoms of possible COVID-19 illness, but is determined NOT to have COVID-19 by a healthcare provider (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant), they can return to school when:
• There is no fever, without the use of fever reducing medicines, for at least 24 hours;
• They have been diagnosed with another condition (not COVID-19) and have a healthcare provider written note stating they are clear to return to school.
• They are allowed to return to school based on existing school District illness policies / protocols.
• Per Chemung County Health Department, vaccination status does not impact this protocol.
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 & IS DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19
If a person has symptoms of COVID-19 and has been diagnosed with COVID-19 by a healthcare provider either based on a positive test result or just based upon their symptoms, they should remain at home and not return to school until:
• It has been at least ten days since the individual first had symptoms, AND;
• It has been at least 24 hours since the individual has had a fever (without using fever reducing medicine); AND
• It has been at least three days since the individual’s symptoms improved, including cough and shortness of breath.
• Repeat COVID-19 testing is NOT required prior to reentering school.
• Per Chemung County Health Department, vaccination status does not impact this protocol.
NO SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 & IS DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19
If a person has tested positive for COVID-19, but has no symptoms of COVID-19, they should remain at home and not return to school until:
• 10 days have passed since test was done (if they continue to have no symptoms of COVID-19).
• Repeat COVID-19 testing is NOT required prior to reentering school.
• However, if a healthcare provider advises a person to be COVID-19 test negative prior to school reentry, they can reenter school when they have no fever, their respiratory symptoms have improved, and they have received two negative test results in a row, at least 24 hours apart.
• Per Chemung County Health Department, vaccination status does not impact this protocol.
COVID-19 ILLNESS & PEOPLE WITH WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEMS
People with conditions that weaken their immune system (immunocompromised), who acquire COVID-19 illness, might need to stay home longer than 10 days. This would be determined and communicated to the school District by a medical professional.