Updated NC Strong Schools Toolkit

The updated guidance changes how long and under what conditions staff and students need to be excluded from school because they have tested positive for or been exposed to COVID-19 (isolation and quarantine).

• Staff and students who have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status should – get tested and isolate from others while waiting for a result. If testing is not possible, follow the guidance below as if the person is positive.
• Isolation: Staff and students who test positive, regardless of vaccination status, and
  • Do not have symptoms – should isolate from others for 5 days, then wear a mask for 5 additional days.
  • Have symptoms – should isolate from others until fever-free and symptoms are improving. Individuals should isolate for at least 5 days since symptoms began and then wear a mask for 5 additional days.
• Quarantine: Staff and students who are exposed to someone with COVID-19, and
  • Not vaccinated – stay away from others for 5 days, get tested on day 5 after exposure if possible, and if they test negative, return to school while wearing a mask for 5 additional days.
  • Vaccinated and eligible for a booster, but not yet been boosted – stay away from others for 5 days, get tested on day 5 after exposure if possible, and if they test negative, return to school while wearing a mask for 5 additional days.
  • Vaccinated, and have either received a booster or are not yet eligible for a booster – individuals do not need to stay away from others, but should wear a mask for 10 days.
  • If it has been six months since vaccination or booster must quarantine.

• StrongSchoolsNC Toolkit guidance that remains unchanged includes:
  • Individuals who are not fully vaccinated after close contact in a classroom or other school setting if masks were being worn appropriately and consistently by both the person with COVID-19 and the potentially exposed person do NOT need to quarantine.

Updated NC Strong Schools Toolkit

Symptoms: Students, teachers, and staff who have symptoms of COVID-19, should stay home and be referred to their healthcare provider for testing and care. Staying home when sick is essential to keep infections out of schools and prevent spread to others. For students, staff, and teachers with chronic conditions, symptom presence should represent a change from their typical health status to warrant exclusion from school. Occurrence of any of the symptoms below while a student, teacher, or staff member is at school suggests the person may be referred for diagnostic COVID-19 testing or evaluation.

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficultly breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

2021-2022 Return to School Plan