As the new school year is about to begin, DMPS wants to share some guidance around illnesses, including COVID-19, in order to keep our schools healthy and safe. The health and well-being of our students and staff is always a top priority, and every DMPS building has a school nurse assigned to assist students and staff with health matters. They work closely with our local and state health departments to monitor and respond to illness trends. Together, we can all help make sure the 2022-23 school year gets off to a healthy start.

Please follow these general steps to help keep our schools healthy during 2022-23:

GENERAL ILLNESS GUIDANCE

  • Stay home when sick.
  • Individuals should remain home until symptoms are improved.
  • Individuals must be free from fever, diarrhea, or vomiting for 24 hours.
  • Notify the school nurse with significant health needs or concerns.

COVID-19

  • Everyone should be aware that exposure to the COVID-19 virus could happen at any time and any place, and monitor for symptoms accordingly. Experts believe we will continue to see periodic waves of infection, and reinfections may be common.
  • Monitor our community level, understand exposure risks, and utilize the available tools:
    • We encourage all ages 6 months and older to remain up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. More information available here.
    • For those at risk for getting very sick or when community levels are high, consider optional mask use in crowded indoor spaces.
    • Keep a supply of rapid tests at home for use when sick or exposed. Repeat the test in 48 hours if negative but symptoms are present. Information on community testing options available here or test through Nomi Health at Kurtz Opportunity Center.
    • Talk with your doctor about treatment options if you test positive and have risk factors.
    • Masks are optional at DMPS school buildings and facilities.
  • When testing positive or exposed, DMPS asks all people to follow isolation and exposure guidance.
    • It is important for:
      • Positive people to isolate at home days 0-5 (day 0 is first day of symptoms or test date if symptoms never develop) and mask around others when returning to school days 6-10. CDC isolation calculator
      • Exposed people to mask around others for 10 days and test on day 5 or if symptoms develop. CDC exposure guidance
    • Download either of the following PDFs for information about exposure to COVID-19 and positive test results:
    • Contact your school nurse if you have additional questions or concerns about isolation, exposure, or returning to sport after infection.

MONKEYPOX

  • This is an emerging outbreak. We will monitor it closely throughout the year and provide more information as it becomes available.
  • The general risk is low at present. Children with an exposure in their household may be at risk.
  • Additional information can be found on the CDC website or on the IDPH website.
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