
Symptom Screening – Low Risk and High Risk – Protocol for Keeping Students Home and Restrictions to Meet Before Returning to School
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Governor’s Office recently released a new publication entitled, “Outbreak Response Protocols: K-12” https://dphhs.mt.gov/aboutus/news/2020/responseprotocolsforschools. Based on this new guidance document, and in collaboration with Lewis and Clark Public Health, we have made a change to our District protocol.
High Risk Symptoms
- Coughing with or without chest congestion
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Loss of Taste or Smell
Low Risk Symptoms
- Nausea, vomiting, stomachache
- Diarrhea
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches or pain
- Weakness or fatigue
- Headache
- Congestion or runny nose
- Fever or chills
If a student has ONE new or unexplained Low-Risk Symptom and has had NO exposure to someone with COVID-19, the student must stay home until 24 hours after symptom is gone without the use of fever/pain reducing medication.
If the student has ONE new or unexplained High-Risk Symptom or TWO new or unexplained Low-Risk symptoms and has had NO exposure to someone with COVID-19, the student must remain home until one of the following criteria are met:
- Parent provides a note from their health care provider clearing the student for school. Under this circumstance, student may return 24 hours after the fever is gone and symptoms are improving without the use of fever/pain reducing medications.
- If a health care provider’s note clearing the student for school is not provided, the student must stay home for 10 days and symptoms have improved. (If you don’t have a regular health care provider you can contact PureView Health Center – 457-0000.)
- If the student is tested, follows the direction of their health care provider. Please have your provider fax a negative test note to your school.