COVID-19

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: DISTRICT COVID POLICIES

• What information does MCVSD use to determine their COVID-19 policies?

  • MCVSD has historically followed the recommendations of the NJ Dept. of Health (NJDOH)

  • The most current "COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations for K-12 Schools, Childcare and Youth Camps" may be accessed here 

• What should my child do after exposure to COVID-19?

  • Quarantine is no longer recommended for those exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status.

  • The CDC and NJDOH recommend the following precautions:

    • They should wear a mask when around others for 10 days following date of last exposure.  

• What are COVID-Compatible Symptoms?  Either of the following:

• 2 of the following:  Fever, Chills, Shivers, Muscle Aches, Headache, Sore Throat, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Fatigue, Congestion, or Runny Nose

OR

• 1 of the following: Cough, Shortness of Breath, Difficulty Breathing, New Loss of Smell, or New Loss of Taste

  • Chronic Conditions: Only new symptoms or symptoms worse than baseline should be used to fulfill symptom-based exclusion criteria.  Documentation of the chronic medical condition is required on the annual Medical Summary Form (available on home page) or a written note from a parent/guardian. 

• How long is the required isolation period for those with a positive COVID-19 test or COVID-Compatible Symptoms?

  • Contagious Period:  The majority of transmission occurs in the 2 days prior to symptom onset and 2-3 days after onset.  Onset (Day 0) is the day symptoms started or a (+) test is collected (if no symptoms).  

  • COVID (+) persons:

    • Students and staff may return to school on day 6 if they meet ALL the following criteria:

      • fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) 

      • symptoms are resolved or greatly improving

      • strict and correct mask use during days 6-10, indoors and out.  

    • Persons with severe illness or immunosuppression should consult with their doctor to determine how long they should isolate. 

    • It is important for parents to notify their child's doctor about their COVID infection.  Occasionally, physical activity restrictions are necessary depending on the severity of their illness.  In the event that students are restricted from activity, a doctor's note is required to be excused from fitness as well as to return to activity.

  • COVID Compatible Symptoms:

    • Consult with the school nurse to determine if clearance from COVID-19 Infection is required

  • More information available @ CDC Quarantine & Isolation

COVID-19 Disease Symptoms

MULTISYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME IN CHILDREN (MIS-C)

MIS-C is a severe, possibly life-threatening immune reaction to COVID-19 infection.  As of January 3, 2022:

• 6,431 cases across the US (5,526 Nov 1, 2021)

• 55 MIS-C deaths (44 as of Nov 1, 2021)

• Median age = 9 years.  Half of children with MIS-C were between the ages of 5 and 13 years.

• Ethnic disparity: 59% of cases occurred in children who are Hispanic/Latino or Black, Non-Hispanic.

• 98% of patients tested positive for COVID-19. The remaining 2% of patients had contact with someone with COVID-19.

• Gender disparity: 61% of reported patients were male.