With school back in session, what parents need to know about COVID
With a new school year starting amid the coronavirus, it is even more important for school officials and parents to work together. While it won’t be an easy task by any means, it is possible, said Montgomery County Public Health Director Samantha Beeson.
“We are encouraging schools to continue to be diligent in their cleaning and having students social distance as much as they can or the space allows,” said Beeson. “I would like to commend the schools in our county for doing a great job getting ready for the students to come back. They have done so well in keeping the staff and student needs in mind. It hasn’t been easy or fun, but they take it in stride and are doing great.”
Navigating an extremely difficult path this year is Red Oak School Nurse Heather Hall. Hall said it will definitely be different in the nurse’s office this year.
“In the past, kids have been able to come to the nurse whenever it has been requested, such as a lost tooth, the need of a band aid, or whatever the ailment is. This year we are going to try to cut back as much traffic as possible for things that can be taken care of in the classroom. This will help decrease the chance of a routine visit accidently coming in contact with a possibly ill student,” explained Hall. “Since the nurse’s office is located in the main office of the junior/senior high school, we are going to set up a separate room to screen possibly ill students. This will help keep the office staff out of contact, too.”
Hall added, she has been in talks with Beeson throughout the summer and she feels confident they are on the same page when it comes to screening students.
“The CDC has put out guidelines concerning low and high risk symptoms we will use,” added Hall. “We will err on the side of caution when it comes to students being sent home, but I’m sure that parents will be very understanding.”
According to educateiowa.gov, “high risk” symptoms for students and staff include new cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and new loss of smell or taste. “Low risk” symptoms are congestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, muscle aches, runny nose, headache and fever.
It is very important students and staff members stay home when sick if they have any high risk symptoms or two or more of any low risk symptoms. They should also contact their health care provider.
“Something to note, is that a fever should be greater than 100.4 and there should be three or more diarrhea stools in 24 hours. We are encouraging parents to be aware of any symptoms that their child may present, that aren’t a baseline symptom for them. If symptoms are worse or any new symptoms appear, they are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider,” said Beeson. “Again, each case’s circumstances are on a case by case basis, with no two cases being alike. And most importantly, we have been saying it since the beginning, stay home when ill and wash your hands.”
If a student or staff member in a Montgomery County school does test positive for COVID-19, Beeson said MCPH will send out a press release and school officials will issue a release as well.
As for low risk symptoms that mimic those of the common cold or allergies, Beeson said there are no clear black or white answers.
“If your child typically has allergies and allergy symptoms, and that is normal to them, then that is their baseline of symptoms,” Beeson explained. “If any of the symptoms would change, worsen or a new symptom presents itself, then that is when you would consult your primary care physician.”
For more information on this subject, go to educateiowa.gov.