Pooled Testing:
We have received a few emails asking if pooled testing will continue when the district starts to distribute the weekly rapid antigen at-home COVID tests for participating students and staff. The answer is, YES, the schools will continue to pool test as one of our important mitigation strategies.
Updated protocols for covid response in schools:
1) If your child tests positive, your child must be isolated at home for at least 5 days. On day 6, your child may resume normal activities if:
Symptoms have substantially improved AND
Been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication AND
Be able to strictly mask over the nose and mouth on days 6-10 whenever they are outside of the home, even outdoors when within 6 feet of others
For contact tracing, you must inform all personal close contacts starting from 2 days prior to the test date. I will notify school close contacts starting 2 days from the test date as well.
2) If your child is a close contact outside of school, please let the school nurse know as well. If the exposure is in the home, it is important to try to minimize continued exposure in the home by having the family member who tested positive self-isolate and wear a well-fitted mask whenever they are in the common areas in the home.
If your child is fully vaccinated (it’s been 2 weeks since the 2nd dose of the Pfizer vaccine), then your child may continue to attend school as long as there are zero symptoms and wears a well-fitted mask whenever they are around others. Test on Day 5 if possible.
If your child is not vaccinated or partially vaccinated, they must quarantine at home for at least 5 days from exposure. If they remain without symptoms, they may come to school and wear a well-fitted mask whenever they are around others. Test on Day 5 if possible.
*For all close contacts, if any symptoms develop, even if mild, get a test and stay home
Please continue to send me a copy of your child’s vaccine card or email a photo of it once the 2 dose series have been completed so that I can update their health chart. Email to cporell@littletonps.org.
Just a reminder- If your student is sick, please keep them home. Call the school nurse at 978-952-2555 x4500 to report illness and receive guidance. For COVID/cold/flu/strep symptoms, a COVID test is required. Lately with the Omicron variant, many start with a minor symptom like a sore throat or headache or nasal congestion, then it can progress to fatigue, fever, or cough. There have been numerous reports of a 2-3 day lag for rapid tests to turn positive after symptoms start. My recommendation would be to test on the first day of symptom(s), if negative, then test again 2-3 days later. If the result remains negative and symptoms have much improved, your child may return to school.
Remember to stay distanced and mask up!!