Covid-19 Protocols

Covid-19

Thank you for your patience and trust as we continue to support the efforts being made by our local and state health authorities to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As many of you are aware, the Texas Education Agency released updated guidelines on how school districts should respond to confirmed cases of COVID-19 at school. The TEA guidelines include protocols for instruction, health & safety, child nutrition, assessment, and many other important variables that will determine the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while providing high-quality learning.

In the case of an individual who was diagnosed with COVID-19, the individual may return to school when all three of the following criteria are met:

• at least 24 hours have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
• the individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and

Students must be fever-free and in good health to attend school. Criteria and guidelines will be followed to ensure that students who are sick are excluded from in-person attendance at school. Students experiencing the following symptoms should stay home from school:

• Fever of 100.4 and above
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Students experiencing the aforementioned symptoms will be evaluated by school health personnel and sent home. For all aforementioned conditions, the student may not return to school until he/she has been symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medications to manage symptoms.

What you should know about COVID-19 to protect yourself and others

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has spread throughout the world. COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness. COVID-19 is primarily spread from person to person.

Know how COVID-19 is spread

• You can become infected by coming into close contact with a person who has COVID-19.
• You can become infected from respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• You may also be able to get it by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Protect yourself and others from COVID-19

• Stay up to date with vaccines
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
• Learn and use proper handwashing technique.
• Teach children the correct way to wash their hands.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs regularly.

Protect yourself and others from COVID-19

• Stay up to date with vaccines
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
• Learn and use proper handwashing technique.
• Teach children the correct way to wash their hands.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs regularly.

Prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
• You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
  • Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
  • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
• When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.
  • Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were.
  • If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.

Know your risk for severe illness

• Everyone is at risk of getting COVID-19.
• Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more severe illness.

More Information

Covid-19 Information Website (CDC)
Respiratory Virus Guidance (CDC)
Vaccine Resources
No-cost Vaccine Information (TRS)

Safe Return Plan

LTS Safe Return Plan (pdf)