Is it Spring Allergies or is it COVID-19?
Now that Spring is here it is just going to be more difficult to decipher between what symptoms are what! At this time, before we just pass something off as a common cold or a Spring allergy symptom we need to be sure it is not COVID-19. The symptoms are all so very similar and in order to keep all safe and healthy a COVID-19 PCR test is needed. Please continue to check in with me to talk through even the simplest of symptoms before sending your child to school! The conversation is so helpful. I know it can be frustrating especially if your child always gets a stuffy nose and scratchy throat the first week of April every year – this year it’s just different and we need to first make sure we are not dealing with COVID-19.
Please stay home even for mild symptoms!
Yes, it is normal for children to have mild cold symptoms or even tummy bugs but for now with the hopes of keeping all healthy and safe and to stop the spread of illness and COVID-19 we are asking you to keep your child home and seek COVID-19 PCR testing if you or a household member is experiencing any of the following:
· Sore or scratchy throat, even if mild
· New onset headache, even if mild
· Congestion or runny nose, even if mild
· New onset cough, even if infrequent
· Feeling hot or cold, chills, feverish without an increased body temperature
· Fever of 100.4 or higher
· Fatigue
· Muscle or body aches
· Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (even just one episode!)
· Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
· Loss of taste or smell
Not sure? Please call or email Lisa to have a conversation before sending your child to school! Children should not need Tylenol/Advil/Motrin before coming to school to get through their day – it can mask sick symptoms! Let’s have a conversation and work together 203-655-1323 ex 4203 or ligrant@darienps.org
My child OR a household member is waiting for results from a COVID-19 test
We are asking if anyone in your household is waiting for a COVID-19 test result with or without symptoms, please keep ALL family members home until test results are received! Please call or email Lisa to let her know. Remote learning will be set up during the wait.
If your child has been tested for COVID-19 please call/email me as well as scan and email results to ligrant@darienps.org or fax results 203-656-9607 to be cleared to return to school. Your child must stay home until the results have been received and reviewed.
My child has been named a contact
If your child has been in contact with someone who has tested positive (parent, relative, friend, nanny, teammate, extracurricular activity contact, neighbor, playdate etc) PLEASE STAY HOME! Call/email me 203-655-1323 ex 4203 or ligrant@darienps.org You can even email on weekends and off hours!! We will talk through the contact and quarantine time frame. If any member of your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19 do not come to school. Remote learning will be in place during quarantine.
Travel
The Darien School District has changed its Travel Guidelines to follow the updated State of CT Travel Guidelines. The CDC continues to advise that travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. After travel (and always) stay home if you are sick or if you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19. A COVID-19 test or a quarantine is no longer needed at this time (it is a recommendation but not a requirement). If you have any questions with the Travel Guidelines please call/email me 203-655-1323 ex 4203 or ligrant@darienps.org as well as review https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus/travel
What else?
· Don’t know where to get a COVID-19 PCR test? Call or email me! I keep a running list of testing stations that many families have been using and what has been helpful (or not).
· Luckily we have not seen any flu cases here! Mask wearing, distancing and frequent handwashing could definitely be the reason! I’ve seen very few strep throat cases and very few stomach viruses this past few weeks. I know it is difficult to distinguish between common childhood illnesses and COVID-19! I appreciate the partnership with you and talking out symptoms.
· Please remember to call or email me with any new diagnosis, new medications or new injury (stitches, braces, casts or splints).
Don’t hesitate to reach out for any questions, concerns or to inquire where to get a COVID-19 test!
Thank you!
Lisa Grant RN BSN ligrant@darienps.org 203-655-1323 ex 4203