COVID-19 Symptom Guidance

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

Policy of when a student/staff person may return to school after COVID-19 symptoms

· If a student or staff member has COVID-19-like symptoms, they may return to school after they have tested negative for COVID-19, have improvement in symptoms, and have been without fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications. If a provider makes an alternative diagnosis for the COVID-19-like symptoms, the individual may return to school based on the recommendations for that alternative diagnosis (e.g., influenza or strep pharyngitis).

· If a student or staff member presents COVID-19-like symptoms and chooses not to be tested, they may return to school 10 days from start of symptoms, as long as their symptoms have improved and they have been without fever for at least 24 hours prior to their return to school without the use of fever reducing medication.

For questions regarding specific instances of cases and/or symptoms, please contact:

DESE Rapid Response Help Center at 781.338.3500 or

Stacey Schakel, Mashpee Public Schools District Nurse Coordinator at sschakel@mpspk12.org