School building, bus, face mask, immunization shot, heart, trees, clouds, Warren County Schools , 1885. Text: COVID-19 Update

Health updates and reminders: January 2, 2022

Warren County Schools

JAN 02, 2022

We hope you've had a safe and relaxing winter break. Here are some health updates and reminders as we prepare to re-open schools for a strong and healthy finish for the second half of the school year.

As we stated at the beginning of the school year, our common goal is to keep schools open for in-person teaching and learning. As COVID-19 cases start to spike again, our existing health measures put us in the best position possible to identify COVID-19 infections, limit COVID-19 exposures in our schools, and keep students and staff healthy so we can keep schools open.

Our multiple layers of protection include: 

  1. Vaccinations required for all staff
  2. Vaccinations required for student-athletes
  3. Testing required weekly for student-athletes
  4. WeCare COVID-19 testing available weekly for students and staff
  5. Masking required indoors and on school transportation, with optional masking outdoors
  6. Physical distancing whenever possible

WeCare COVID-19 Testing Options, Including Families

We know it’s been difficult to get COVID-19 tests. To make it as easy as possible, we’re providing two testing options, at no cost to you. 

WeCare weekly onsite testing (Monday during school hours | Students and staff only)

We will resume our weekly WeCare COVID-19 testing for students and staff at all Warren County Schools sites on Monday, January 3. To have your child tested, please send in this completed consent form.

Curbside testing (Monday 3-6 p.m. | Students, staff, and family members)

Our WeCare testing vendor, One Love Laboratories, is providing 3 curbside, drive-through testing locations Monday afternoon. This allows our students, staff, and family members of students or staff to get tested without having to enter the school. This is a great option for students or staff who may have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms of illness.

Curbside testing is available Monday, January 3, 2021 from 3-6 p.m. at these convenient locations: 

  • Mariam Boyd Elementary School
  • Vaughan Elementary School
  • Warren County High School

What to bring

To keep our curbside, drive-through testing moving quickly and efficiently, please bring the following documents and have them readily available

Students

Family members

  • Driver’s License
  • Insurance Card

Employees 

  • Driver's license 
  • Insurance card

Updates to Quarantine and Isolation Guidance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) have updated the guidance for how long people must stay home after being diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19.

You do not need a negative COVID-19 test in order to return to school or work after being diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19.

If you have symptoms

SYMPTOMS | DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19 OR NO DIAGNOSIS AT ALL

You can return to school when you meet ALL 3 of these requirements:

  1. It has been at least 5 days since the first day of symptoms
  2. It has been at least 24 hours since the person had a fever (without using fever reducing medicine); AND
  3. Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving

For 5 days after your return, you must continue to wear a face mask at all times, including when outdoors. The only time you may remove your mask is briefly for eating and drinking. This will minimize the risk of you possibly infecting others.

SYMPTOMS | NEGATIVE COVID-19 PCR TEST OR AN ALTERNATE DIAGNOSIS TO EXPLAIN THE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

Note: The health care provider is not required to detail the specifics of your alternate diagnosis.

You can return to school when you meet both of these requirements: 

  1. It has been at least 24 hours since you had a fever (without using fever reducing medicine)
  2. You have felt well for at least 24 hours

SYMPTOMS | EXPOSED TO COVID-19

You can return to school when you meet ALL 3 of these requirements:

  1. It has been at least 5 days since the first day of symptoms
  2. It has been at least 24 hours since the person had a fever (without using fever reducing medicine); AND
  3. Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving

For 5 days after your return, you must continue to wear a face mask at all times, including when outdoors. The only time you may remove your mask is briefly for eating and drinking. This will minimize the risk of you possibly infecting others.

No symptoms

If you develop symptoms, you should immediately isolate until a test either confirms COVID-19, provides a negative test result, or you receive an alternate diagnosis to explain your COVID-19 symptoms. 

NO SYMPTOMS | DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19 OR NO DIAGNOSIS AT ALL

You can return to school 5 days after the swab was taken for your COVID-19 test, as long as you don’t develop symptoms. 

For 5 days after your return, you must continue to wear a face mask at all times, including when outdoors. The only time you may remove your mask is briefly for eating and drinking. This will minimize the risk of you possibly infecting others.

NO SYMPTOMS | EXPOSED TO COVID-19 | BOTH PEOPLE MASKED APPROPRIATELY AT ALL TIMES (DOES NOT APPLY TO EXPOSURES DURING EXTRACURRICULAR OR ATHLETICS ACTIVITIES)

You do not need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

NO SYMPTOMS | EXPOSED TO COVID-19 | AT LEAST ONE PERSON UNMASKED

Test on day 5 after exposure, if possible, to verify you don’t have COVID-19. 

For 5 days after your return, you must continue to wear a face mask at all times, including when outdoors. The only time you may remove your mask is briefly for eating and drinking.

Unvaccinated or fully vaccinated but not boosted

  • If you are unvaccinated
  • If it has been more than 6 months since your second dose of the Pfizer or Maderna COVID-19 vaccine and you have not received a booster dose
  • If it has been more than 2 months since your first dose of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and you have not received a booster dose

You can return to school after completing 5 days of quarantine, beginning on the day after your last known exposure to a person with COVID-19. 

Fully vaccinated and not yet eligible for a booster or fully vaccinated and boosted

  • If it has been more than 2 weeks, but less than 6 months since your second dose of the Pfizer or Maderna COVID-19 vaccine
  • If it has been more than 2 weeks, but less than 2 months since your first dose of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
  • You have received a booster vaccine

You do not need to quarantine.

NO SYMPTOMS | EXPOSED TO COVID-19 | DURING EXTRACURRICULAR OR ATHLETIC ACTIVITY (REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS OR MASKING)

You can return to school after completing 5 days of quarantine, beginning on the day after your last known exposure to a person with COVID-19. 

Get Vaccinated

Health experts say the best way to protect yourself, your family, our students, our schools, and our community is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible. COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone ages 5 and older. Find a convenient location to get the free vaccine at YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov or by calling the COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center at 1-888-675-4567.

We look forward to getting 2022 off to a great start!