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COVID-19 UPDATES & RESOURCES


Saint Mary’s School (SMS) Student COVID Protocols 2023-2024 

Masks – Masks are currently optional, unless required by COVID-19 protocols (see below). Mask requirements may change if community transmission levels become high. Wearing a well-fitting mask consistently and correctly reduces the risk of spreading the COVID-19. Those who choose to wear a mask will be supported in their decision to do so. 

Vaccinations – SMS strongly encourages being up to date on all vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters. Not only does it provide individual-level protection, but high vaccination coverage reduces the burden of COVID-19 on people, schools, healthcare systems, communities, and individuals who are not vaccinated or may not develop a strong immune response from the vaccines.  

Staying Home when Sick – People with symptoms of illnesses including COVID-19, influenza, and gastrointestinal infections should stay home and get tested for COVID-19. Staying home when sick can lower the risk of spreading infectious diseases, including the virus that causes COVID-19, to other people. See quarantine/isolation guidelines below for specifics for day students and boarding students. 

Testing 

  • SMS is not requiring testing prior to returning to school from breaks. However, we encourage students to test before returning to campus, especially if they are exhibiting any symptoms or could have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.  

  • SMS offers on-site antigen (rapid) and PCR testing for students who are symptomatic. Testing will not be performed on asymptomatic students. 

  • School testing is sponsored by NCDHHS StrongSchoolsNC K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program. 

  • Free at-home test kits are also available through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and through the United States Postal Service

Quarantine Guidelines for Students with Exposure  

  • Students are required to report any known exposure to SMS nurses nurses@sms.edu 

  • Exposure is defined as:  

  • Contact with a household member diagnosed with COVID-19 OR 

  • Being within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more of a presumed, or diagnosed case, within two days of contact  

  • If you have had an exposure to COVID, and have not had a diagnosed case of COVID in the last 90 days (regardless of vaccinations status), you must do the following for 10 days after your last exposure: 

  • Wear a well-fitted mask at all times when around others, regardless of testing outcome 

  • Eat 6 feet away from others since you cannot wear a mask while eating 

  • Monitor for symptoms; isolate and get tested immediately if symptoms develop 

  • If student develops symptoms during this 10-day period, test immediately. If antigen (rapid) test is negative, a PCR test must be collected, and student must isolate at home or in an isolation room on campus until results are returned. See below for isolation guidelines. 

Isolation Guidelines for Symptomatic or COVID Positive Students 

Any student, regardless of vaccination status, with a positive COVID test OR with the following unexplained symptoms should isolate by staying home or in their room and notify SMS Nurses at nurses@sms.edu or 919-424-4043. 

  • Fever of 100.4 or higher 

  • Sore throat 

  • Cough, new or unexplained 

  • Difficulty breathing 

  • Loss of taste or smell 

  • Diarrhea or vomiting 

  • Unexplained headache 

  • Unexplained fatigue 

  • Unexplained Muscle or body aches 

  • Nasal/sinus congestion 

Guidelines for return to school: 

  • Symptomatic student with no known exposure to COVID may return to school if the following criteria are met: 

  • Receives a negative rapid, at-home, or PCR test AND 

  • Fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications AND 

  • Symptoms improving for 24 hours AND 

  • Approval from SMS nurses 

  • Symptomatic student with KNOWN exposure to COVID may return to school if the following criteria are met: 

  • Receives a negative PCR test (must isolate while waiting for results) AND 

  • Fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications AND 

  • Symptoms improving for 24 hours AND 

  • Approval from SMS nurses 

  • Symptomatic student without testing may return to school if the following criteria are met: 

  • Five days have passed since the onset of symptoms AND 

  • Fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications AND 

  • Symptoms improving for 24 hours AND 

  • Approval from SMS nurses 

  • Boarders are not allowed to sleep on dorm for 10 days 

  • Day students and boarders can return to school, but not to the dorms, on the 6th day if the above criteria are met and must strictly adhere to the following safety precautions through the 10th day: 

  • Wear a well-fitted mask at all times when around other people 

  • Eat 6 feet away from others since masking is not possible while eating 

  • May not participate in athletics or Triangle Fitness 

  • If COVID test is positive, student may return to school as early as the 6th day after testing positive or the onset of symptoms (whichever comes first) if the following criteria are met: 

  • Five days have passed since either the onset of symptoms or taking a positive test, whichever is first, AND 

  • Symptoms improving for 24 hours AND 

  • Fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications AND 

  • Approval from SMS nurses  

  • Upon return, student must strictly adhere to the following safety precautions until 10 days have passed since either onset of symptoms or taking a positive test: 

  • Wear a well-fitted mask at all times when around other people 

  • Eat 6 feet away from others since masking is not possible while eating 

  • May not participate in athletics or Triangle Fitness 

  • Boarding students will be assigned a private room until the 10-day period is over. We have a limited number of rooms so boarders may return within 10 days only if space is available. Boarding students not living in the local area will be given priority for space. 

  • Boarders who live within a 4-hour driving distance from SMS must isolate at home. Parents/guardians must pick up their student within 24 hours of positive test result. 

  • Please note that failure to adhere to these safety guidelines will result in student being asked to complete the reminder of the 10-day isolation period at home. 

Guidelines for Return to Athletics/Triangle Fitness after Testing Positive for Covid 

  • 10 days must have passed since either onset of symptoms or positive test 

  • A doctor’s clearance is NOT needed for mild, uncomplicated cases of Covid  

  • If the student has a moderate to severe case of COVID, doctor’s note must be submitted stating that student is cleared for full participation in physical activity. Indications for need for doctor’s clearance would be: 

  • Fever greater than 101.0 for more than 24 hours 

  • Shortness of breath or chest pain 

  • Hospitalization 

Employees with questions or concerns about COVID should contact Shannon Kranyik in Human Resources. 

Enrolled families can learn more on our welcome website at www.sms.edu/welcome2sms


 

Coronavirus illustration CDC

 

HELPFUL LINKS

North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary | This is an evolving situation and CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available, in addition to updated guidance.