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Communicable Disease Health Protocols

Communicable Disease Health Protocols

Guidance for preventing the spread of illness, supporting healthy schools and understanding when students should stay home or return to school.

CDC Recommendation: Individuals with symptoms of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, RSV and gastrointestinal illnesses should stay home when sick. Staying home while ill helps reduce the spread of communicable diseases to others.

When Should Students Stay Home?

Students should remain home when they:

  • Have a fever of 100.0°F or higher.
  • Are vomiting or experiencing diarrhea.
  • Have symptoms of a contagious illness.
  • Feel too ill to participate in normal school activities.

Students may return to school when:

  • They have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
  • Vomiting and diarrhea have resolved for at least 24 hours without medication.
  • Symptoms are improving.

Students who test positive for communicable diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, RSV and gastrointestinal illnesses should notify their campus nurse.

Campus Nurse Directory State Exclusion Guidance

Preventing the Spread of Illness

  • Wash hands frequently throughout the day.
  • Wash hands after using the restroom.
  • Wash hands before eating.
  • Wash hands after outdoor activities.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
  • Dispose of tissues immediately.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Stay home when sick.

Proper Handwashing

  1. Wet hands with clean running water and apply soap.
  2. Lather all surfaces, including backs of hands, between fingers and under nails.
  3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds.
  4. Rinse thoroughly.
  5. Dry with a clean paper towel or air dryer.

A helpful reminder is to sing the ABC song or Happy Birthday twice while scrubbing.

Health Education Videos

CDC Handwashing Video Fight Germs: Wash Your Hands Spanish Handwashing Video Cover Coughs & Sneezes

Campus & Facility Practices

  • Hand sanitizer is available throughout district facilities.
  • Handwashing and respiratory etiquette are reinforced.
  • Students are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles.
  • Individuals may choose to wear masks for personal health reasons.

Cleaning & Sanitization

  • Daily cleaning and sanitization of classrooms and common areas.
  • Use of EPA-approved cleaning products.
  • Staff training on sanitizing and disinfecting procedures.
  • Additional cleaning measures when communicable disease clusters are identified.
  • Routine cleaning of high-touch surfaces.

Related Health Resources

Health Condition Information When to Send Students to the Health Office Health Services Home