Student Health, School Nurses

Identifying a COVID-19 positive individual in a school is guided by the CDC, federal and state education agencies, and public health authorities. School districts develop protocols to address prevention, mitigation, and communication of a COVID-19 positive individual within their schools. Public schools diligently work to screen, clean and prevent the spread of the virus. Students and staff wear masks to prevent transmission, physically distance, and frequently wash their hands. 

School nurses are trained to assess a teacher, staff, or student’s symptoms. They check for symptoms outside of seasonal allergies or a cold. For example, the school nurse will determine if a student is exhibiting cold/flu-like symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms include fever, shortness of breath, coughing, and loss of taste or smell. Steps are taken to isolate the individual to prevent further contact, follow local health authority guidance and district protocols, and inform the family regarding quarantining to prevent additional infection. The school nurse may also refer the student to a physician and/or COVID testing. 

Schools follow the guidance provided by the CDC and public health authorities. National testing at schools continues to evolve and some schools offer rapid testing. School nurses serve a critical role in assessing, mitigating, and evaluating COVID-19 in public schools.