September 2022 Covid Protocols Update (may change based on conditions/NJDOH mandates)
Parent monitoring - Parents should not send students to school when sick. For school settings, NJDOH recommends that students with the following symptoms be promptly isolated from others and excluded from school:
• At least two of the following symptoms: fever, chills, myalgia (muscle aches), headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, congestion or runny nose; OR
• At least one of the following symptoms: new or worsening severe cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, new olfactory disorder, new taste disorder.
Masking - parents/guardians may decide whether their child(ren) should wear a mask while in school and on school buses. Staff will make their own decision about masking. Masks will continue to be allowed if anyone wishes to wear them during school, on the bus, or at school events.
Masking after Isolation (POSITIVE CASE OR SYMPTOMATIC AWAITING TEST) - Individuals regardless of vaccination status who test positive, and individuals with COVID-19 symptoms who have not been tested and do not have an alternative diagnosis from their healthcare provider should:
• Stay home for at least 5 full days after the onset of symptoms or if asymptomatic after the positive test (day of symptoms is day 0; if asymptomatic, day the test was performed is day 0)
AND
• If they have no symptoms or symptoms are resolving after 5 days and are fever-free (without the use of fever-reducing medication) for 24 hours, they can return to school AND wear a mask when around others at home and in public for an additional 5 days (including participation in any extracurricular activities). Time without mask being worn should be kept to a minimum.
Close Contacts - Quarantine is no longer recommended for people who are exposed to COVID-19, as long as they remain asymptomatic. Staff/students will not be excluded from school, but parents and staff should monitor themselves or their child for symptoms.
The CDC recommends that individuals who were exposed to COVID-19 wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days after exposure. Exposed persons, regardless of vaccination status, are strongly recommended to get tested 5 full days after exposure, on day 6 (date of exposure is considered day 0). If testing is unavailable, school attendance can continue. If the test is positive, they must follow isolation recommendations.
What tests are acceptable? - PCR tests are still the preferred method. Rapid antigen tests and home tests will be accepted. If a home test is used, the parent must email or provide written confirmation of the date and outcome of the test results.
*At any point, these guidelines are subject to change. Parent cooperation will continue to be essential. If your child is feeling unwell, please do not send him/her to school.
NJDOH Covid Recommendations for Schools - August 29, 2022
Reopening Plans and Associated Guidance Documents
Emergency Virtual Plan for Remote Instruction 2022-23 - July version Posted 1/5/22
Margate Reopening Plan - September version Updated 10/1/21
