Response Protocols

 

If a Student Becomes Sick

Northshore School District will use the Public Health - Seattle & King County COVID-19 What To Do if a Person is Symptomatic Flow Chart to ensure the health and safety of students, families and staff.

If a student experiences COVID-like symptoms while at school:  

• Teacher or staff excuses student(s) from classroom, cohort/pod or area within the school and notifies COVID-19 Supervisor and/or school nurse. 
• COVID-19 Supervisor, school nurse, or their designee takes the student(s) to the designated isolation room/area until transportation can be arranged to send the student(s) home.
  • Note: Masks must be worn at all times in the Isolation Room per DOH. 
• COVID-19 Supervisor or school nurse notifies parent(s), guardians or caregiver(s) of ill student(s). 
• Parent(s), guardian(s), or caregiver(s) picks up student(s). The student(s) should consult with their healthcare provider for evaluation and determine  if testing is recommended. 

Child with Symptoms/Siblings

The student with symptoms should be isolated and sent home as soon as possible. Caregivers of the sick child should contact their medical provider and get the child tested for COVID-19. 

If the sick student tests positive for COVID-19, that child must stay home and isolate. They can return to school, child care, and activities after five days have passed since symptoms first appeared if: 

• They haven’t had a  fever within the past 24 hours (without medication) AND 
• Symptoms have significantly improved 

Additionally, individuals must wear a mask when around others days 6–10.

Siblings of the sick student, who are not exhibiting symptoms,  can continue to attend school or childcare but should monitor their health. Household exposures often result in prolonged and repeated contact with positive individuals. When possible, a student or staff member, who is continuously exposed at home, regardless of vaccination status, is recommended to test every 24 to 48 hours until 5 days after the last positive household member’s isolation has ended. 

If any symptoms begin, the student or staff member should also stay home and contact a healthcare provider.

 

If a Staff Member Becomes Sick

If a staff member experiences COVID-like symptoms while at school:  

• The symptomatic individual notifies the COVID-19 Site Supervisor or school nurse.
• COVID-19 SIte Supervisor, school nurse, or their designee takes staff to designated isolation room/area until transportation can be arranged. In most cases, the individual will be able to transport themselves home. 

Note: If staff use the Isolation Room a mask must be worn at all times. 

 

If a Student or Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

If a student or staff member is diagnosed with a confirmed COVID-19, the school should be notified immediately. 

If the staff or student who tested positive is currently at the school during their infectious period, they should report to the school Isolation Room and/or return home immediately regardless of if they are experiencing symptoms. If a staff member or student is not in the building, they should not come to work or school.

 

Returning To School

Staff or Students with COVID Symptoms

Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms are required to stay home and should get tested and/or see a health care provider and follow the return to work/care/school guidance accordingly. Follow the DOH What to do if a Person is Symptomatic Flowchart 

If the symptoms are not consistent with a diagnosed chronic illness, they do not receive an alternative named diagnosis from a health care provider, or they do not get tested OR students/staff test positive for COVID-19

Students or staff can return to school, child care, and activities after five days have passed since symptoms first appeared if: 

• No fever within the past 24 hours (without medication) AND
• Symptoms have significantly improved 

Additionally, individuals must wear a mask when around others days 6–10.

If a student or staff member tests negative for COVID-19, they can return to school and activities if:

• No fever within the past 24 hours (without medication) AND  
• Symptoms have significantly improved.

If symptoms persist, retest every 24–48 hours through at least five days after symptoms started.
 

Isolation

Isolation is when someone who has confirmed COVID-19 stays home and away from others. Any student or staff member with COVID-19 must isolate at home. This isolation guidance applies regardless of vaccination status. If a student or staff member tests positive by either a molecular or antigen test, they can return to school when the following criteria are met:

• 5 days have passed since symptom onset (symptom onset is day 0), or since positive test collection date if no symptoms are present AND
• No symptoms are present, or symptoms are resolving; AND
• No fever within the past 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.

Students and staff should continue monitoring for symptoms and must wear a well-fitted mask around others through day 10 (days 6-10) both in and out of school, including during extracurricular and sports activities. No test is required to return to school from isolation.

For additional information on the updated Isolation guidance, please visit the CDC FAQ. 

• DOH K-12 Supplemental Recommendations

If you are concerned about your health or possible impacts on school or work attendance, notify your healthcare provider (for ANY health concerns), supervisor (staff) or school nurse (students).

Resources for Staff/Students: 

• How to care for yourself or others with COVID-19 
• Symptoms of Coronavirus 

Student an Staff Privacy

To protect staff and student privacy (HIPAA and FERPA), Northshore School District will not share names or health information of students and staff. Instead the school and school district will work with public health officials on communication and the next steps, which may include self-isolation, self-monitoring, masking, or testing.