August 2022
COVID-19 Guidelines
To minimize the spread of COVID-19, St. Mary Magdalene Catholic School will follow prevention strategies from the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
CDC Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools and Early Care Programs
To help prevent the spread of any illness, parents should continuously monitor their child/ren for symptoms. If a child isn't feeling well enough to participate in classroom routines, the basic rule is to keep them at home. Remember that rest and your care at home will be best for your child, as well as for friends at school. By keeping your child home, you are minimizing exposure to other children and hopefully preventing further spread of illness.
Staff and children who have symptoms of COVID-19 must have a negative COVID test before returning to school. We are required to report all positive COVID-19 cases to the Wake County Health Department (as required by NCGS ยง 130A-136).
Please report all positive cases to Wendy Walsh walsh@stmm.net.
What about face masks?
There are no current local, state, or federal policies mandating universal masking in schools. We understand that each family will make the choice regarding masks that they believe is in the best interest of their children. We respect and support the decisions made by each family and we will continue to cultivate an environment of mutual respect and caring for others.
When do you need to wear a mask?
When returning to school after having COVID-19 following the CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines.
COVID-19 information below is according to the information and protocols available at the time it was written. * Please note we will follow the CDC COVID-19 Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools and ChildCare Programs. Should the Diocese of Raleigh or the Wake County Health Department make a decision that is more conservative we will follow their guidance.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Staff and students testing positive for COVID-19 are required to follow CDC Quarantine and Isolation guidelines.
If you were exposed to COVID-19 it is recommended that you follow the CDC Quarantine and Isolation guidelines.
Vaccination, including getting a booster if eligible, is currently the leading public health prevention strategy to reduce risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, which includes getting a booster when eligible, further improves your protection.
Wake County is offering free at home COVID test kits, pick up 4 boxes at locations listed on the website. You can order free COVID tests through the Federal Program and State Program.