When a Student is Sick with a Respiratory Illness such as COVID: 

• Isolation at home is NO LONGER required nor recommended for children or staff in school settings, regardless of vaccination status or where the exposure occurred. 

• Stay home while you are sick or have a fever. Return to work or school only when feeling better and have gone at least 24 hours without needed fever-reducing medication.

• If you test positive for COVID-19, masking is recommended but not required, for five days after resuming normal activities.  

• Should individuals develop moderate or severe symptoms, they should consult with their medical provider for advice.

• A doctor’s note is required to excuse an absence for illness.

Prevention Strategies:

• Staff and students are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated with the latest version of the COVID-19 vaccine and the annual influenza vaccine. (Readily available at all local pharmacies and at primary care offices).

• Staff and students are reminded that handwashing or hand sanitizing remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of illness at home or at school.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put your used tissue in the wastebasket. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.

Helpful tips:

• MA DPH, Respiratory Virus Guidance

• CDC, Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick  Respiratory Illnesses