Returning to school this fall will look differently for students, staff and parents.
The following information, provided by Todd County Health and Human Services, will provide an overview of what to expect this coming school year. It's working in consultation with local school districts to promote the health and safety of students and staff. Parents should contact their school district with specific questions.
Learning models: Schools are planning for three different learning models: in‐person, hybrid (some days distance learning and some in‐person), and distance learning. The learning model will be based on Todd County’s positive COVID‐ 19 case rate. You can find the county case rate updated each Thursday here.
Exclusion guidance for sick children: COVID‐19 symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from other illnesses. The Minnesota Department of Health has issued the following guidance:
- Keep your child home and isolate them from siblings and household members if they have any of the following: a fever greater than or equal to 100.4◦ F, new onset and/or worsening cough, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell; or they have two or more of the following: sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, muscle pain, excessive fatigue, new onset of severe headache, new onset of nasal congestion or runny nose.
- Seek guidance from your health care provider to determine if your child needs to be tested for COVID‐19 or has a different illness.
- Keep all siblings and household members home until you receive a negative COVID‐19 test result or an alternative diagnosis from your healthcare provider.
- If your child receives a positive COVID‐19 test result they should stay at home in isolation for at least 10 days from when symptoms started, until they feel better, and have had no fever for 24 hours (without fever reducing medications). All siblings and household members must stay home and quarantine for 14 days from their last date of close contact with the individual who tested positive.
For more information view the COVID‐19 decision tree for people in schools, youth, and child care programs: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/exguide.pdf
Masking requirement: All students, staff, and other people present in school buildings and district offices or riding on school transportation vehicles are required to wear a face covering.
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Tips for parents/guardians: Before school starts, show and tell your child the right way to put on and take off a mask. Here are some ways to do this:
- Put a mask on a favorite stuffed animal.
- Consider giving your child face coverings that have pictures of things they like, such as cartoons or animals.
- Show pictures of other children and students wearing masks.
- Use books and videos to help talk about the importance of wearing masks around teachers and friends.
- Send your child to school with a clean mask every day.
- Masks will be available at your school should your child need one.
Masking in Schools: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/masktips.pdf
Minnesota Helpline: For questions related to the COVID‐19 pandemic, call 651‐297‐1304 or 1‐800‐657‐3504 Mon.‐Fri.: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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