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) - COVID-19 Positive Cases: 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:
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 a mask being worn should be kept to a minimum.
Masking after Contact (HOUSEHOLD CLOSE CONTACT WITH POSITIVE CASE) - COVID-19 Household Exposures: If a student lives in a home with a person who tests positive for COVID-19, quarantine is not required, but the following protocols will be followed:
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The positive family member should isolate/ or wear a well fitted mask in the home.
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The student may return to school as long as they are asymptomatic and wear a mask for at least 5 days.
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If the student tests NEGATIVE 5 days after last exposure to the person, then they do not need to wear a mask on days 6-10 but should continue to monitor for symptoms for ten days. If the student tests POSITIVE, follow isolation protocols. If no COVID-19 test is taken, student will wear a mask for the full 10 days.
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If a parent does not want their child to wear a mask at school, the child’s absences will be excused (10 days from last contact with the positive family member).
Masking in School:
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Students may eat snacks in the classroom. Masks must be replaced immediately when the snack is finished.
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Students may eat lunch in the cafeteria. They should be placed at an empty table, when possible, or distanced at the table from other students while eating. Masks must be replaced immediately when finished eating and students may return to their normal table.
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.
How do I decide when to test? - Guidance provided from the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html#choosing-a-test
Remote learning - We will return to pre-pandemic policies for students who are ill. Students should access their teachers’ Google Classroom pages or email them and make-up work will be provided. There will not be an individual remote-learning option. If the district or a school must switch to remote learning due to a declared public health emergency, remote instruction will be provided.
*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 - October version Posted 10/13/22
Margate Reopening Plan - September version Updated 10/1/21
