CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19 (K-12) - REFERENCE GUIDE FOR SUSPECTED, PRESUMPTIVE
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REFERENCE GUIDE FOR SUSPECTED, PRESUMPTIVE, OR
CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19 (K-12)
INTERIM GUIDANCE
UPDATED AUGUST 2021
WHAT'S INSIDE
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 1
Screening Flow Chart ..................................................................................................................... 2
Staff Roles Flow Chart ................................................................................................................................ 3
Positive Screening Protocol Checklists
Upon Notification from Home on Self-Screen ................................................................................ 4
During the School Day ................................................................................................................... 11
EXPOSURE, DIAGNOSIS, SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS,
Upon NO SYMPTOMS NO SYMPTOMS NO DIAGNOSIS SYMPTOMS
Notification
from Home Staff or Student Staff or Student Staff or Student Staff or Student
on Self-Screen shares they were shares they shares they have at least one of shares they have at least one
exposed to someone were diagnosed with the following COVID-19 symptoms of the COVID-19 symptoms
with COVID-19 within COVID-19 less than but have NOT been tested (Fever listed to left AND shares they
the last two weeks but is 10 days ago, but it • Sore throat • Shortness of tested positive for COVID-19
NOT symptomatic NOT symptomatic breath • Difficulty breathing • less than 10 days ago
WHO New cough • New loss of taste or
smell • Diarrhea, vomiting,
abdominal pain • New headache)
Staff Member
OR Page 4 Page 5 Page 7 Page 9
Student
EXPOSURE, DIAGNOSIS, SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS,
NO SYMPTOMS NO SYMPTOMS NO DIAGNOSIS SYMPTOMS
During the
School Day Staff or Student Staff or Student Staff or Student Staff or student
shares they were shares they presents with at least one of the presents at least one of the
exposed to someone were diagnosed with following COVID-19 symptoms COVID-19 symptoms listed to
with COVID-19 within COVID-19 less than (Fever • Sore throat • Shortness of left AND shares they tested
the last two weeks but is 10 days ago, but it breath • Difficulty breathing • positive for COVID-19 less
WHO NOT symptomatic NOT symptomatic New cough • New loss of taste or than 10 days ago
smell • Diarrhea, vomiting,
abdominal pain • New headache)
Staff Member
OR Page 11 Page 12 Page 14 Page 16
Student
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org
Introduction
Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) intends this Screening Reference Guide to be a helpful tool for local
education leaders across Williamson County for response to suspected, presumed, or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in
their schools.
Note: This document does not outline all detailed public health guidance for K-12 schools – for further public health
guidance, see WCCHD School Recommendations 2021 and Department of State Health Services Communicable Disease
Chart And Notes For Schools And Childcare. For more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), please see Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools.
This Screening Reference Guide outlines protocols for staff to follow when responding to a positive symptom screening or
report of laboratory-confirmed or probable COVID-19 infection. These protocols identify next steps in interacting with
students or staff who have screened positive, meaning they:
a. Share they were exposed to someone with COVID-19 (defined as having close contact of less than 6 feet distance
for more than 15 minutes) but have no symptoms;
b. Share they were diagnosed with COVID-19 less than 10 days ago but are not currently symptomatic; OR
c. Present with at least one of the following COVID-19 symptoms, with and without laboratory-confirmation of
infection or close contact to laboratory confirmed-case:
i. Fever (≥100.4°F)
ii. Sore throat
iii. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
iv. New cough
v. New loss of taste or smell*
vi. Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
vii. New onset of headache
*as per CDC definition of COVID-19 related symptoms
The following staff should adhere to protocols outlined in this Screening Reference Guide:
• All school staff who interact with students, to know what to do if students share they had an exposure or diagnosis
of COVID-19, or develop COVID-19 symptoms during the day
• School nurses or delegated staff
• School staff who are responsible for cleaning, notification to WCCHD, and/or communication to students, families,
teachers, and staff, according to the protocols outlined in this guide.
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 1
SCREENING FLOW CHART
No Flags ✓
• Proceed to School
• Cannot Attend School
• Quarantine 14 Days From
Exposure if not fully
Exposure* vaccinated
No • *Exposure refers to being
within 6 feet of someone
Symptoms diagnosed with COVID-19
for 15 minutes or more
Staff Self-Screens unless identified in special
OR circumstances.
Parent/Guardian
Screens Student Diagnosis,
No • Cannot Attend School
• Isolate 10 Days From
Positive Test Result
Symptoms
• If confirmed positive COVID-19 OR person has
been exposed to confirmed case: 10 days since
• Fever
first symptoms, no fever for 24 hours (without the
• Sore Throat
use of fever reducing medicine), AND symptom
• Shortness of breath/ difficulty
At Least
breathing improvement, including coughing and shortness
• New cough of breath
One • Cannot Attend School
• New loss of taste or smell • If negative COVID-19 test: No fever for 24 hours
• Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal
Symptom (without the use of fever reducing medicine),
pain AND they have felt well for 24 hours
• New headache • If confirmed diagnosis other than COVID-19 ( e.g.,
stomach virus, ear infection): Follow normal
school policies to return to schoolSTAFF ROLES FLOW CHART
Student Arrives at School
Goes to Class
NO FLAGS
Student Becomes Symptomatic
• Any staff person flags symptoms
Student Evaluated
• Nurse or delegated staff screens for exposure,
symtoms or prior diagnosis
Illness Confirmed
Send Home or Held Until Picked Up
• Any school staff person accompanies student
Response Initiated
• Nurse or designated staff initiates response
protocols for exposure, symptoms or prior diagnosis
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 3POSITIVE SCREENING PROTOCOLS
Upon Notification from Home on Self Screen
Staff Member OR
WHO
Student
CATEGORY EXPOSURE, NO SYMPTOMS: Staff or Student shares they were exposed to someone with
COVID-19 within the last 2 weeks but is NOT symptomatic
Exclusion
Fully Vaccinated:
□ Exclusion not required, but person should get tested 3-5 days after your exposure, even if they don’t have
symptoms. Person should monitor for symptoms and be excluded if symptoms consistent with COVID-19 occur.
Person should also wear a mask indoors for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative. If test
result is positive or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 develop, exclusion rules apply and person should remain
home.
NOT Fully Vaccinated:
□ Do not allow person to enter school facility
□ If staff, supervisor must be notified immediately
□ Person may return to school 14 days after last close contact, if no symptoms develop nor do they have a positive
COVID-19 test.
□ If symptoms develop consistent with COVID-19 and/or the person shares a positive test result during the period
of quarantine, then exclusion rules apply as to the new situation. A negative laboratory result does not change
the 14-day exclusion period per this protocol.
□ Person may participate in remote learning and teaching (if applicable) while out
Infection Control
□ Ensure that all students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors follow
school district policies related to COVID-19. Encourage cloth face coverings to be worn by all students from
kindergarten through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors inside school buildings, and anywhere
on school grounds, including outside. All people are required by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) order to wear face coverings while in public transportation hubs and on all public transportation
conveyances (airplanes, public buses, etc.), including school buses (both public and private).
□ Individuals excluded from school for exposure must continue to self-screen for symptoms and report daily
according to district policies and procedures.
Transportation
□ Person may not utilize group transportation such as the bus until released to return to the school facility
Notification to Public Health
□ No notification actions by the School are required
□ WCCHD may provide technical assistance for tracking persons excluded for exposure
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 4Closure
□ No closure actions by the School are required
Cleaning
□ No additional cleaning actions by the School are required
Communication with students, families, and staff
□ No communication actions by the School are required
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 5POSITIVE SCREENING PROTOCOLS
Upon Notification from Home on Self Screen
Staff Member OR
WHO
Student
CATEGORY DIAGNOSIS, NO SYMPTOMS: Staff or Student shares they were diagnosed with COVID-19
less than 10 days ago, but is NOT symptomatic
Exclusions
□ Do not allow person to enter school facility
□ If staff, supervisor must be notified immediately
□ Person may return to school 10 days after the date of their first positive COVID-19 test, assuming they have
not subsequently developed symptoms since their positive test. If person develops symptoms within the 10-
day isolation, go to Exclusions as per Screening Protocol for Diagnosis with Symptoms to determine exclusion
period.
□ Person may participate in remote learning and teaching (if applicable) while out.
Infection Control
□ Ensure that all students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors follow
school district policies related to COVID-19. Encourage cloth face coverings to be worn by all students from
kindergarten through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors inside school buildings, and anywhere
on school grounds, including outside. All people are required by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) order to wear face coverings while in public transportation hubs and on all public transportation
conveyances (airplanes, public buses, etc.), including school buses (both public and private).
□ Individuals excluded from school for diagnosis without symptoms must continue to self-screen for symptoms
and report daily according to district policies and procedures.
Transportation
□ If student, they may not utilize group transportation such as the bus until released to return to the school
facility
Notification to Public Health
□ School must notify WCCHD of laboratory-confirmed and probable COVID-19 case(s) among students or staff
(as required by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 81).
□ School must follow the directions shared by WCCHD for this particular instance, such as for contact tracing
students, staff, and families, and/or specific cleaning protocols.
Closure
□ Close off areas used by the sick person, do not use these areas until after cleaning and disinfecting.
□ Consult with WCCHD as to whether closure of a classroom or entire building is required. There may be no need
to close the school if WCCHD determines that close contacts are excluded and there is sufficient space to
continue normal operations.
□ WCCHD may in some situations determine that closure of a facility is to be considered. The Local Health
Authority may recommend school closure which will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 6Cleaning
□ If seven (7) days or less since the individual with the positive case was on campus, close off areas used by the
person, including school transportation vehicles, and do not use these areas until after cleaning and
disinfecting.
□ Wait at least 24 hours after the last presence of the person at the facility before cleaning and disinfecting. If 24
hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible.
□ People should not be in the classroom, room, or other area of the facility while it is being cleaned.
□ Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
□ Use an EPA-registered disinfectant that is active against coronaviruses. Clean and disinfect frequently touched
surfaces.
□ Remember to clean items that might not ordinarily be cleaned daily such as doorknobs, light switches,
countertops, chairs, cubbies, and playground structures.
□ Follow CDC Guidance for Disinfecting Schools for additional cleaning and disinfection recommendations.
□ For school transportation vehicles:
o Do not use the vehicle until after cleaning and disinfection.
o Wait at least 24 hours after the last presence of the person in the vehicle before cleaning and disinfecting
(or if 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible).
□ School must follow any other directions shared by WCCHD for this particular instance.
Communication with students, families, and staff
□ Schools are recommended to notify in writing all teachers, staff, and families of all students in a school if a lab-
confirmed or probable case is identified.
o If needed, a template letter can be provided by WCCHD.
o The notice to staff and families must maintain confidentiality in accordance with Texas Health and Safety
Code Chapter 81 and all other state and federal laws.
WCCHD Next Steps
□ WCCHD will monitor the situation for increased transmission in discrete groups and provide
recommendations for control.
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 7POSITIVE SCREENING PROTOCOLS
Upon Notification from Home on Self Screen
Staff Member OR
WHO Student
SYMPTOMS: Staff or Student presents with at least one of the following COVID-19
CATEGORY symptoms (Fever • Sore throat • Shortness of breath • Difficulty breathing • New
cough • New loss of taste or smell • Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain • New
headache)
Exclusion
□ Do not allow person to enter school facility
□ If staff, supervisor must be notified immediately
□ Person must stay home and may seek medical care
□ If diagnosed with suspected COVID-19 based on symptoms only, person may return to school when:
o At least 1 day (24 hours), or 3 days (72 hours), depending on district policy, have passed since
recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications; and
o Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
o At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
□ If they have had a negative COVID-19 test, person may return to school following districts’ policies on
communicable diseases.
□ Person can return to school, if they receive confirmation of an alternative diagnosis from a health care
provider that would explain the COVID-19-like symptom(s), once person has met other routine return-
to-school policies for communicable diseases.
□ Person may participate in remote learning and teaching (if applicable) while out.
Infection Control
□ Ensure that all students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors follow
school district policies related to COVID-19. Encourage cloth face coverings to be worn by all students from
kindergarten through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors inside school buildings, and anywhere
on school grounds, including outside. All people are required by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) order to wear face coverings while in public transportation hubs and on all public transportation
conveyances (airplanes, public buses, etc.), including school buses (both public and private).
Transportation
□ If student, they may not utilize group transportation such as the bus until released to return to the school facility.
Notification of Public Health
□ School must notify WCCHD of suspect COVID-19 case(s) among students or staff (as required by Texas Health and
Safety Code Chapter 81).
□ School must follow the directions shared by WCCHD for this particular instance, such as for contact tracing
students, staff, and families, and/or specific cleaning protocols.
Closure
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 8□ Close off areas used by the sick person, do not use these areas until after cleaning and disinfecting.
□ Consult with WCCHD as to whether closure of a classroom or entire building is recommended. There may be
no recommendation to close the school if WCCHD determines that close contacts are excluded and there is
sufficient space to continue normal operations.
□ WCCHD may in some situations determine that closure of a facility is to be considered. The Local Health
Authority may recommend school closure. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Cleaning
□ Close off areas used by the sick person, including school transportation vehicles, and do not use these areas
until after cleaning and disinfecting.
□ Wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting. If 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible.
□ People should not be in the classroom, room, or other area of the facility while it is being cleaned.
□ Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
□ Use an EPA-registered disinfectant that is active against coronaviruses. Clean and disinfect frequently touched
surfaces.
□ Remember to clean items that might not ordinarily be cleaned daily such as doorknobs, light switches,
countertops, chairs, cubbies, and playground structures.
□ Follow CDC Guidance for Disinfecting Schools for additional cleaning and disinfection recommendations.
□ For school transportation vehicles:
o Do not use the vehicle until after cleaning and disinfection.
o Wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting (or if 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as
possible).
□ School must follow any other directions shared by WCCHD for this particular instance.
Communication with students, families, and staff
□ Schools must coordinate with WCCHD to determine how to inform families and staff as appropriate -
they may not necessarily need to be notified, depending on the situation. The notice to staff and
families must maintain confidentiality in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 81
and all other state and federal laws.
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 9POSITIVE SCREENING PROTOCOLS
Upon Notification from Home on Self Screen
Staff Member OR
WHO
Student
DIAGNOSIS, WITH SYMPTOMS: Staff or Student shares they were diagnosed with COVID-19 less
than 10 days ago and IS symptomatic with one or more of the following (Fever • Sore throat •
CATEGORY
Shortness of breath • Difficulty breathing • New cough • New loss of taste or smell •
Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain • New headache)
Exclusion
□ Do not allow person to enter school facility
□ If staff, supervisor must be notified immediately
□ Person must stay home and may seek medical care
□ If diagnosed with confirmed or probable COVID-19 based on laboratory testing, person may return to
school when:
• At least 1 day (24 hours), or 3 days (72 hours), depending on district policy, have passed since
recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications; and
• Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
• At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
□ Person may participate in remote learning and teaching (if applicable) while out.
Infection Control
□ Ensure that all students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors follow
school district policies related to COVID-19. Encourage cloth face coverings to be worn by all students from
kindergarten through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors inside school buildings, and anywhere
on school grounds, including outside. All people are required by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) order to wear face coverings while in public transportation hubs and on all public transportation
conveyances (airplanes, public buses, etc.), including school buses (both public and private).
Transportation
□ Student may not utilize group transportation such as the bus until released to return to the school facility.
Notification to Public Health
□ School must notify WCCHD of laboratory-confirmed and probable COVID-19 case(s) among students or staff (as
required by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 81).
□ School must follow the directions shared by WCCHD for this particular instance, such as for contact tracing
students, staff, and families, and/or specific cleaning protocols.
Closure
□ Close off areas used by the sick person, do not use these areas until after cleaning and disinfecting.
□ Consult with WCCHD as to whether closure of a classroom or entire building is recommended. There may be no
recommendation to close the school if WCCHD determines that close contacts are excluded and there is
sufficient space to continue normal operations.
□ WCCHD may in some situations determine that closure of a facility is to be considered. In conjunction with the
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 10TEA, the Local Health Authority may recommend school closure. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Cleaning
□ If seven (7) days or less since the individual with the positive case was on campus, close off areas used by the
person, including school transportation vehicles, and do not use these areas until after cleaning and disinfecting.
□ Wait at least 24 hours after the last presence of the person at the facility before cleaning and disinfecting. If 24
hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible.
□ People should not be in the classroom, room, or other area of the facility while it is being cleaned.
□ Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
□ Use an EPA-registered disinfectant that is active against coronaviruses. Clean and disinfect frequently touched
surfaces.
□ Remember to clean items that might not ordinarily be cleaned daily such as doorknobs, light switches,
countertops, chairs, cubbies, and playground structures.
□ Follow CDC Guidance for Disinfecting Schools for additional cleaning and disinfection recommendations.
□ For school transportation vehicles:
□ Do not use the vehicle until after cleaning and disinfection.
□ Wait at least 24 hours after the last presence of the person in the vehicle before cleaning and disinfecting (or if
24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible).
□ School must follow any other directions shared by WCCHD for this particular instance.
Communication with students, families, and staff
□ Schools are recommended to notify in writing all teachers, staff, and families of all students in a school if a lab-
confirmed case is identified.
□ The notice to staff and families must maintain confidentiality in accordance with Texas Health and Safety
Code Chapter 81 and all other state and federal laws.
WCCHD Next Steps
□ WCCHD will monitor the situation for increased transmission in discrete groups and provide
recommendations for control.
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 11POSITIVE SCREENING PROTOCOLS
During the School Day
Staff Member OR
WHO
Student
CATEGORY EXPOSURE, NO SYMPTOMS: Staff or Student shares they were exposed to someone
with COVID-19 within the last 2 weeks but is NOT symptomatic
Exclusion
Fully Vaccinated:
□ Exclusion not required, but person should get tested 3-5 days after your exposure, even if they don’t have
symptoms. Person should monitor for symptoms and be excluded if symptoms consistent with COVID-19 occur.
Person should also wear a mask indoors for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative. If test
result is positive or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 develop, exclusion rules apply and person should remain
home.
NOT Fully Vaccinated:
□ Separate student in designated area with supervision by a delegated staff person until transportation is available
□ School must notify designated parent/guardian/family member, or other individual to facilitate student getting
home safely
□ If staff, supervisor must be notified immediately
□ If staff, person should immediately go home.
□ Once person is able to leave school, person may return to school 14 days after last close contact, if no symptoms
develop nor do they have a positive COVID-19 test.
□ If symptoms develop consistent with COVID-19 and/or the person shares a positive laboratory test result during
the period of quarantine, then exclusion rules apply as to the new situation. A negative laboratory result does not
change the 14-day exclusion period per this protocol.
□ If staff, person may participate in remote teaching (if applicable) while out.
□ Student should participate in remote learning (if applicable) while out.
Infection Control
□ Ensure that all students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors follow
school district policies related to COVID-19. Encourage cloth face coverings to be worn by all students from
kindergarten through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors inside school buildings, and anywhere
on school grounds, including outside. All people are required by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) order to wear face coverings while in public transportation hubs and on all public transportation
conveyances (airplanes, public buses, etc.), including school buses (both public and private).
□ Delegated staff person supervising while student is held before safely returning home should wear a cloth
face covering while remaining at least six feet away.
□ Individuals excluded from school for exposure must continue to self-screen for symptoms and report daily
according to district policies and procedures, if applicable.
Transportation
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 12□ Student or staff person may not utilize group transportation such as the bus in order to leave the school facility
Notification of Public Health
□ No notification actions by the School are required
□ WCCHD may provide technical assistance for tracking persons excluded for exposure
Closure
□ No closure actions by the School are required
Cleaning
□ No additional cleaning actions by the School are required
Communication with students, families, and staff
□ No communication actions by the School are required
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 13POSITIVE SCREENING PROTOCOLS
During the School Day
Staff Member OR
WHO
Student
CATEGORY DIAGNOSIS, NO SYMPTOMS: Staff or Student shares they were diagnosed with COVID-
19 less than 10 days ago, but is NOT symptomatic
Exclusion
□ Separate student in designated area with supervision by a delegated staff person until transportation is available
□ School must notify designated parent/guardian/family member, or other individual to facilitate student getting
home safely
□ If staff, supervisor must be notified immediately
□ If staff, person must immediately go home
□ Person may return to school 10 days after the date of their first positive COVID-19 test, assuming they have not
subsequently developed symptoms since their positive test. If person develops symptoms within the 10-day
isolation, go to Exclusions as per Screening Protocol for Diagnosis with Symptoms to determine exclusion period.
□ If staff, person may participate in remote teaching (if applicable) while out.
□ Student should participate in remote learning while out.
Infection Control
□ Ensure that all students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors follow school
district policies related to COVID-19. Encourage cloth face coverings to be worn by all students from kindergarten
through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors inside school buildings, and anywhere on school grounds,
including outside. All people are required by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order to wear face
coverings while in public transportation hubs and on all public transportation conveyances (airplanes, public buses,
etc.), including school buses (both public and private).
□ Delegated staff person supervising while student is held before safely returning home should wear a cloth face
covering while remaining at least six feet away.
□ Individuals excluded from school for exposure must continue to self-screen for symptoms and report daily according
to district policies and procedures, as applicable.
Transportation
□ Person may not utilize group transportation such as the bus in order to leave the school facility
Notification of Public Health
□ School must notify WCCHD of laboratory-confirmed and probable COVID-19 case(s) among students or staff (as
required by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 81).
□ School must follow the directions shared by WCCHD for this particular instance, such as for contact tracing students,
staff, and families, and / or specific cleaning protocols.
Closure
□ Close off areas used by the sick person, do not use these areas until after cleaning and disinfecting.
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 14□ Consult with WCCHD as to whether closure of a classroom or entire building is recommended. There may be no
recommendation to close the school if WCCHD determines that close contacts are excluded and there is sufficient
space to continue normal operations.
□ WCCHD may in some situations determine that closure of a facility is to be considered. In conjunction with the TEA,
the Local Health Authority may recommend school closure. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Cleaning
□ If seven (7) days or less since the individual with the positive case was on campus, close off areas used by the
person, including school transportation vehicles, and do not use these areas until after cleaning and disinfecting.
□ Wait at least 24 hours after the last presence of the person at the facility before cleaning and disinfecting. If 24
hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible.
□ People should not be in the classroom, room, or other area of the facility while it is being cleaned.
□ Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
□ Use an EPA-registered disinfectant that is active against coronaviruses. Clean and disinfect frequently touched
surfaces.
□ Remember to clean items that might not ordinarily be cleaned daily such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops,
chairs, cubbies, and playground structures.
□ Follow CDC Guidance for Disinfecting Schools for additional cleaning and disinfection recommendations.
□ For school transportation vehicles:
o Do not use the vehicle until after cleaning and disinfection.
o Wait at least 24 hours after the last presence of the person in the vehicle before cleaning and disinfecting
(or if 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible).
□ School must follow any other directions shared by WCCHD for this particular instance.
Communication with students, families, and staff
□ Schools are recommended to notify in writing all teachers, staff, and families of all students in a school if a lab-
confirmed case is identified.
o The notice to staff and families must maintain confidentiality in accordance with Texas Health and Safety
Code Chapter 81 and all other state and federal laws.
WCCHD Next Steps
□ WCCHD will monitor the situation for increased transmission in discrete groups and provide
recommendations for control.
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 15POSITIVE SCREENING PROTOCOLS
During the School Day
Staff Member OR
WHO
Student
SYMPTOMS: Staff or Student presents with at least one of the following COVID-19
symptoms following (Fever • Sore throat • Shortness of breath • Difficulty breathing
CATEGORY
• New cough • New loss of taste or smell • Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain •
New headache)
Exclusion
□ Immediately isolate student in designated area with supervision by a delegated staff person
□ School must notify designated parent/guardian/family member, or other individual to facilitate student getting home and to
medical care safely
□ If staff, supervisor must be notified immediately
□ If staff, person must immediately go home
□ Person must stay home and may seek medical care
□ If diagnosed with suspected COVID-19 based on symptoms only, person may return to school when:
o At least 1 day (24 hours), or 3 days (72 hours), depending on district policy, have passed since recovery
defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications; and
o Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
o At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
□ If they have had a negative COVID-19 test, person may return to school following normal communicable disease
exclusion procedures.
□ Person may participate in remote learning and teaching (if applicable) while out.
□ Person can return to school, if they receive confirmation of an alternative diagnosis from a health care provider that
would explain the COVID-19-like symptom(s), following normal communicable disease exclusion procedures, if
applicable.
Infection Control
□ Ensure that all students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors follow school
district policies related to COVID-19. Encourage cloth face coverings to be worn by all students from kindergarten
through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors inside school buildings, and anywhere on school grounds,
including outside. All people are required by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order to wear face
coverings while in public transportation hubs and on all public transportation conveyances (airplanes, public buses,
etc.), including school buses (both public and private).
□ Delegated staff person supervising while student is held before safely returning home should wear a cloth face
covering and any necessary PPE given symptoms, while remaining at least six feet away.
□ The symptomatic student should wear a cloth face covering or surgical mask unless a family member states that an
exception applies.
Transportation
□ Person may not utilize group transportation such as the bus in order to leave the school facility
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 16Notification of Public Health
□ School must notify WCCHD of suspect COVID-19 case(s) among students or staff (as required by Texas Health and
Safety Code Chapter 81).
□ School must follow the directions shared by WCCHD for this particular instance, such as for contact tracing students,
staff, and families, and/or specific cleaning protocols.
Closure
□ Close off areas used by the sick person, do not use these areas until after cleaning and disinfecting.
□ Consult with WCCHD as to whether closure of a classroom or entire building is recommended. There may be no
recommendation to close the school if WCCHD determines that close contacts are excluded and there is sufficient
space to continue normal operations.
□ WCCHD may in some situations determine that closure of a facility is to be considered. In conjunction with the TEA,
the Local Health Authority may recommend school closure. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Cleaning
□ Close off areas used by the sick person, including school transportation vehicles, and do not use these areas until
after cleaning and disinfecting.
□ Wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting. If 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible.
□ People should not be in the classroom, room, or other area of the facility while it is being cleaned.
□ Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
□ Use an EPA-registered disinfectant that is active against coronaviruses. Clean and disinfect frequently touched
surfaces.
□ Remember to clean items that might not ordinarily be cleaned daily such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops,
chairs, cubbies, and playground structures.
□ Follow CDC Guidance for Disinfecting Schools for additional cleaning and disinfection recommendations.
□ For school transportation vehicles:
o Do not use the vehicle until after cleaning and disinfection.
o Wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting (or if 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as
possible).
□ School must follow any other directions shared by WCCHD for this particular instance.
Communication with students, families, and staff
□ Schools must coordinate with WCCHD to determine how to inform families and staff as appropriate - they may not
necessarily need to be notified, depending on the situation. The notice to staff and families must maintain
confidentiality in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 81 and all other state and federal laws.
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 17POSITIVE SCREENING PROTOCOLS
During the School Day
Staff Member OR
WHO
Student
DIAGNOSIS, WITH SYMPTOMS: Staff or Student shares they were diagnosed with COVID-
19 less than 10 days ago and IS symptomatic with one or more of the following (Fever • Sore
CATEGORY
throat • Shortness of breath • Difficulty breathing • New cough • New loss of taste
or smell • Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain • New headache)
Exclusion
□ Immediately isolate student in designated area with supervision by a delegated staff person
□ School must notify designated parent/guardian/family member, or other individual to facilitate student getting
home and to medical care safely
□ If staff, supervisor must be notified immediately
□ If staff, person must immediately go home
□ Person must stay home and may seek medical care
□ Person may participate in remote learning and teaching (if applicable) while out.
□ If diagnosed with confirmed COVID-19 based on laboratory testing, person may return to school when:
o At least 1 day (24 hours), or 3 days (72 hours), depending on district policy, have passed since
recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications; and
o Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
o At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
Infection Control
□ Ensure that all students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors follow school
district policies related to COVID-19. Encourage cloth face coverings to be worn by all students from kindergarten
through 12th grade, and all teachers, staff and adult visitors inside school buildings, and anywhere on school grounds,
including outside. All people are required by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order to wear face
coverings while in public transportation hubs and on all public transportation conveyances (airplanes, public buses,
etc.), including school buses (both public and private).
□ Delegated staff person supervising while student is held before safely returning home should wear a cloth face
covering and any necessary PPE given symptoms, while remaining at least six feet away.
□ The symptomatic student should wear a cloth face covering or surgical mask unless a family member states that an
exception applies.
Transportation
□ Person may not utilize group transportation such as the bus in order to leave the schoolfacility
Notification of Public Health
□ School must notify WCCHD of confirmed COVID-19 case(s) among students or staff (as required by Texas Health
and Safety Code Chapter 81).
□ School must follow the directions shared by WCCHD for this particular instance, such as for contact tracing
students, staff, and families, and/or specific cleaning protocols.
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 18Closure
□ Close off areas used by the sick person, do not use these areas until after cleaning and disinfecting.
□ Consult with WCCHD as to whether closure of a classroom or entire building is recommended. There may be no
recommendation to close the school if WCCHD determines that close contacts are excluded and there is sufficient space
to continue normal operations.
□ WCCHD may in some situations determine that closure of a facility is to be considered. In conjunction with the TEA,
the Local Health Authority may recommend school closure. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Cleaning
□ Close off areas used by the sick person, including school transportation vehicles, and do not use these areas until
after cleaning and disinfecting.
□ Wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting. If 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible.
□ People should not be in the classroom, room, or other area of the facility while it is being cleaned.
□ Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
□ Use an EPA-registered disinfectant that is active against coronaviruses. Clean and disinfect frequently touched
surfaces.
□ Remember to clean items that might not ordinarily be cleaned daily such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops,
chairs, cubbies, and playground structures.
□ Follow CDC Guidance for Disinfecting Schools for additional cleaning and disinfection recommendations.
□ For school transportation vehicles:
o Do not use the vehicle until after cleaning and disinfection.
o Wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting (or if 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible).
□ School must follow any other directions shared by WCCHD for this particular instance.
Communication with students, families, and staff
□ Schools must coordinate with WCCHD to determine how to inform families and staff as appropriate - they may not
necessarily need to be notified, depending on the situation. The notice to staff and families must maintain
confidentiality in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 81 and all other state and federal laws.
WCCHD Next Steps
□ WCCHD will monitor the situation for increased transmission in discrete groups and provide
recommendations for control.
Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) Interim Guidance • Updated August 2021 • www.wcchd.org 19You can also read
