Updates from the School Health Office - 3/10/23

Updates from the School Health Office - 3/10/23

To Families with MassHealth:

In March 2020, the federal government declared a public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, MassHealth put protections in place that prevented members’ MassHealth coverage from ending. These protections are ending. MassHealth will soon return to the standard annual eligibility renewal process. These renewals will take place over 12 months. In the coming year, all current MassHealth members will need to renew their health coverage to ensure that they still qualify for their current benefit. You can do so by updating your contact information and reporting any household changes on the   Mass Health Resource

To Families Receiving SNAP:

Federal Extra COVID SNAP Payment Ended on March 2

Starting in April, SNAP benefits will return to 1 monthly payment.

Call 877-382-2363 to find the amount or on   DTA Connect

For more information and how to get assistance, see this   SNAP Flyer

March is National Nutrition Month:

Every March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics sponsors   National Nutrition Month to help people make informed food choices and develop positive eating habits. You can also find more tips on how to eat healthy and be physically active using these links -    My National Nutrition Resources   

Illnesses:

Test for COVID even if you think it is just a cold or allergies. Receive free rapid tests at Rapid Test link or or by using health insurance at pharmacies like  CVS

Should your child test positive for COVID, please notify the school nurse or attendance line. If your child was exposed to COVID, they need to wear a mask in school for 10 days. Here is the link to follow the most recent COVID guidance for those in a school setting. If you have any questions regarding the guidance, feel free to reach out to the nurse. 

Please continue to follow the mitigation measures to help stop the spread of illnesses:  

Do not return to school until 24 hours free of vomiting and diarrhea.

Stay home when sick, especially during a fever (temp of 100 degrees or higher), PLUS the 24 hour period after the fever has resolved without taking any medication because this is the most contagious period.