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Reporting Illnesses & Absences
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This webpage will be periodically updated with information as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic and NYS school health and wellness procedures as per NYSDOH, NYSED and local health department guidance. New information will be shared as it becomes available.
Thank you for your patience and please contact me with any questions.
Melody Sipowicz
School Nurse
Phone: 518-632-5222
Fax 518-632-5231
E-mail: msipowicz@hartfordcsd.org
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Students, Faculty, and Staff should stay home for 1 or more of the following symptoms of COVID*:
- Fever (100F or higher) or chills
- Cough
- New loss of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
We can only accept PCR test results or a lab or medical provider verified rapid test (not an unverified "at-home" test) for return to school for people with symptoms that could be COVID. However, if a rapid antigen test is negative and the medical provider feels a PCR test is also needed to verify a negative rapid test, then the person must wait for the results of the PCR test before returning to school.
Call 911 for immediate medical attention for the following Emergency Warning Signs of COVID:
- Trouble breathing
- Pain or pressure in the chest that doesn’t go away
- Experience confusion or trouble waking up
- Bluish lips or face
*This list is not a complete list. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
Vaccinated People Who are Exposed to COVID:
According to the CDC, people who are fully vaccinated do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms. However, fully vaccinated people should get tested 3-5 days after their exposure, even if they do not have symptoms, and wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.
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These are flowcharts from the Department of Health to navigate when to stay home and when to return to school.
If a person has been quarantined or isolated by their Public Health Department, a "Release" notice from the Public Health Department is needed for return to school.
Click here to open the PDF version of the NYS DOH Student Flowcharts 10.1.2020
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When should I keep my child home from school?
Posted by:Per the currently available guidance, students should not come to school if they are experiencing any of the following:
-Fever of 100°F (37.8 C) or higher
-Feeling feverish or having chills
-Cough
-Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
-Headaches
-New loss of taste or smell
-Fatigue/ feeling of tiredness
-Sore throat
-Nasal congestion or runny nose
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Diarrhea
-Muscle pain or body aches
Students should also be kept at home if:
-The student has knowingly been in contact with any one testing positive for COVID-19 in past 10 days (may not return until released by public health)
-The student has tested positive for COVID-19 (may not return until released by public health)
-The student is waiting for a COVID-19 test result (follow public health guidance if test results come back positive)
-Positive test for another contagious illness (strep throat, mono, influenza, etc.) student should stay home as advised by their medical provider. Return to school should occur after medical clearance AND symptoms are improving/ resolved AND fever-free without use of medication for at least 24 hours. Students must provide a doctor's note specifying the diagnosis and return to school criteria for the specific illness.
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Why does the nurse call home for an absence?
Posted by:The nurse calls home to check for safety and health purposes-a parent will be called to assure that the parent knows the student did not enter his/her homeroom at 8:10am. The nurse is also looking for trends --such as fevers, stomach illness or other symptoms which could indicate a widespread viral illness among the student population.
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What can I do to help my student stay well and prevent the spread of illness?
Posted by:Teach and remind students to wash hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
Remind your student to wear a clean mask each day, and if possible, pack a spare one in a clean plastic bag.
Remind students to throw away used tissues, cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, and keep their hands away from their face.
Make sure students eat regular healthy meals, drink water throughout the day, and get plenty of sleep.
Follow the current COVID-19 guidelines: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/protect-yourself-and-your-family-coronavirus-covid-19
Schedule your student's yearly well-child check each school year to keep on top of any non-urgent medical issues, monitor treatment of chronic conditions, and discuss your student's development with his or her medical provider.
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What should I do if my student is frequently asking to stay home from school?
Posted by:Recurrent absences and late arrivals do add up and impact your student's learning. If you find your student is frequently asking to stay home from school, if they are falling behind or appear anxious about school, or if there does not appear to be any physical symptoms, contact your school nurse and your health care provider to discuss your concerns. We can work together to address any medical, emotional, or social issues that may be affecting your student's attendance and academic progress.