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COVID-19 School Guidelines Update

from the Illinois Department of Public Health

COVID-19 SchoolGuidelines Updatefrom the Illinois Department of Public Health

Dear D41 Community,


IDPH COVID guidelines for schools have recently changed. Please see below for the most updated changes:


- All students and staff who experience COVID-like symptoms (fever of 100.4 or higher, new runny nose/congestion-in conjunction with any other symptoms, sore throat, new cough, vomiting/diarrhea, moderate to severe headache, new loss of sense of taste or smell, muscle/body aches due to unknown origin, fatigue due to unknown origin) must remain home from school regardless of vaccination status.


- Prior to returning to school, all symptomatic individuals should have a negative COVID test. COVID testing must occur within 48 hours of symptom onset. If testing occurs outside this window, IDPH requires the student or staff to remain home for 10 days from the onset of symptoms.


- We now can accept RAPID test results for symptomatic individuals. At-home negative test results are still not acceptable. Please note if the sick individual is a close contact of a positive case, has new loss of sense of taste or smell, or is part of an identified outbreak, a PCR will be required.


- Asymptomatic siblings of symptomatic students no longer need to remain home IF the sick student is tested within 24 hours of symptom onset. If the sick student was tested within 24 hours of onset of symptoms, the asymptomatic siblings may attend school while test results are pending, with proper and consistent use of a mask (indoors and outdoors).


- DuPage County Health Department is allowing a shortened 10 day quarantine option as long as the quarantined individual has remained asymptomatic. Please note that during days 11-14 of quarantine, the student will be permitted to attend school but will need to keep 6 ft. distance at lunch, remain masked at all times (even outside), and is not permitted to ride the bus on those days.


- Fully vaccinated individuals who develop symptoms are not exempt from this guidance. They will still need to provide a negative COVID test result that was done within 48 hours of symptom onset.


- Letters from the Local Health Department releasing the student or staff member from isolation or quarantine are no longer required prior to returning to school.


CLICK HERE for the most updated IDPH Interim Exclusion Guidance for Schools for more detailed information


As always, please reach out to your school nurse if you have any questions or concerns. If your child is symptomatic, please keep your child home and contact the school nurse for further guidance. We appreciate your continued cooperation and understanding.