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Polk County Schools updates guidelines for handling COVID-19 cases

Polk County Schools has received updated guidance from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services regarding the handling of COVID-19 in the school setting

Stearns Education Center

Polk County Schools has received updated guidance from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services regarding the handling of COVID-19 in the school setting.  Please review the information below regarding these changes:

 Students / Staff with Symptoms

  • Students, teachers, and staff who have symptoms of COVID-19, should stay home and contact their school nurse or healthcare provider for testing and care – staying home when sick is essential to keep infections out of schools and prevent spread to others
  • In order to return the individual would need a negative COVID-19 test result or an alternative diagnosis
  • COVID-19 testing is available upon request by contacting Polk County Schools

Individuals Testing Positive for COVID-19

  • Those who test positive while experiencing symptoms will be excluded from school for 5 full days after the onset of symptoms
  • For those who test positive with no symptoms will be excluded from school for 5 full days after the day of testing
  • The NC Department of Health and Human Services strongly recommend those who are returning from isolation due to COVID-19 wear a face covering for 5 additional days

Case Investigation / Contact Tracing

  • The NC Department of Health and Human Services now advises that individual contact tracing and exclusion from school after an identified exposure is no longer recommended
  • Polk County Schools will no longer engage in investigation or contact tracing related to exposures to COVID-19
  • Polk County Schools will continue to notify the community of incidences of COVID-19 cases in schools via online dashboard at www.polkschools.org

Special Circumstances

  • Polk County Schools will continue to assess and respond to exposures and positive cases on an individual basis as needed
  • Schools will continue to prioritize the monitoring and support of immunocompromised students and staff

Questions / Information

  • Questions regarding Polk County Schools’ protocols regarding the handling of COVID-19 cases and exposures should be directed to Aaron Greene or Kathy Harding at 828-894-3051

Up-to-date information about COVID-19 can be found at these links:

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