Health Services

Health Services

COVID-19 Guidelines

Prior Guidance: The previous COVID-19 guidance recommended a minimum isolation period of 5 days plus a period of post-isolation precautions and was created during the public health emergency with lower population immunity, fewer tools to combat respiratory viruses, and higher rates of severe illness, including hospitalizations and deaths.

Updated Guidance: The updated Respiratory Virus Guidance recommends that people stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both their symptoms are getting better overall, and they have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Note that depending on the length of symptoms, this period could be shorter, the same, or longer than the previous guidance for COVID-19.

It is important to note that the guidance doesn’t end with staying home and away from others when sick. The guidance encourages added precaution over the next five days after time at home, away from others, is over. Since some people remain contagious beyond the “stay-at-home” period, a period of added precaution using prevention strategies, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses can lower the chance of spreading respiratory viruses to others.

The CDC considered multiple options for adjusting isolation guidance at different lengths of time. In addition to fewer people getting seriously ill from COVID-19 and having better tools to fight serious illness, CDC considered other factors such as the personal and societal costs of extended isolation as well as the timing of when people are most likely to spread the virus (a few days before and after symptoms appear). The updated guidance is easy-to-understand, practical, and evidence-based, as well as more aligned with long-standing recommendations for other respiratory illnesses.

CDC offers separate, specific guidance for healthcare settings (COVID-19, flu, and general infection prevention and control) and Interim Guidance for Managing Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 that is not currently changing.)


District Sick Day Guidelines

  • Has been vomiting (keep home for 24 hours after vomiting)
  • Has had diarrhea (keep home for 24 hours after last occurrence)
  • Fever 100.4 degrees or higher (Must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication)
  • Undiagnosed or unknown rash (until cleared by a physician)
  • Red painful eye with thick drainage (until cleared by a physician)
  • Untreated skin conditions such as Impetigo, Scabies, or similar
  • Live lice

Does My Child Have the Flu (Influenza)?

Influenza is serious!  Call your doctor at the first sign of flu symptoms. These symptoms may come on suddenly and may include:

  • High fever (over 100.4 degrees)
  • Chills
  • Headache, body aches, ear ache
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Dry cough
  • Sore throat

For more information on influenza, please visit:  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

How Can I Keep My Child Healthy?

  • Everyone should cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their sleeve.
  • Encourage frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and warm water.  Rub hands together with soap for at least 20 seconds.
  • Minimize time spent with others who are ill.
  • Keep frequently touched household surfaces clean (phones, cell phones, countertops, door knobs, keyboards, remotes, toys). On a regular basis clean these items with an antibacterial wipe.
  • Make sure your child gets sufficient sleep.
  • Encourage healthy eating by feeding your child whole grains, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, and low-fat milk and yogurt.  For more tips on healthy eating visit:   https://www.nutrition.gov/subject/life-stages/children
© 2024. Wa-Nee Community Schools. All Rights Reserved. School CMS Created by eSchoolView
View text-based website